Abstract: According to the invention, to achieve the above objective, there is provided a charged particle beam apparatus that creates a first image by irradiating a charged particle beam on a sample to scan a first pattern of the sample, controls on the basis of the first image the focus of the charged particle beam and the brightness and/or contrast of the image, and irradiates the charged particle beam to correctly scan a second pattern different from the first pattern by using the control conditions used to control the focus of the charged particle beam and the brightness and/or contrast of the image.

Abstract: A technique improving performance and lifetime of inductively heated cathode ion sources is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for improving performance and lifetime of an inductively heated cathode (IHC) ion source in an ion implanter. The method may comprise maintaining an arc chamber of the IHC ion source under vacuum during a maintenance of the ion implanter, wherein no gas is supplied to the arc chamber. The method may also comprise heating a cathode of the IHC ion source by supplying a filament with a current. The method may further comprise biasing the cathode with respect to the filament at a current level of 0.5-5 A without biasing the arc chamber with respect to the cathode. The method additionally comprise keeping a source magnet from producing a magnetic field inside the arc chamber.

Abstract: A scanning mechanism for a scanning probe microscope includes a movable portion, an X actuator that moves the movable portion in an X direction, a Y actuator that moves the movable portion in a Y direction, a Z actuator that moves a moving target in a Z direction, a substrate that is fixed on an upper surface of the movable portion and has an upper surface on which the Z piezoelectric element is fixed, a cover that covers most of the movable portion, the X actuator, and the Y actuator, and a damping member that is located between the cover and the movable portion around the Z piezoelectric element, the Z piezoelectric element having an upper end that is positioned at a position higher than an upper surface of the cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical device (1) including a cavity (2) for which at least part is ellipsoidal with a first focus (F1) and a second focus (F2), the device including means of presenting a medium containing components to be analysed in the cavity at the first focus, the device also including means of transporting an excitation light beam in the cavity along a path also passing through the first focus (F1) to illuminate the medium at the first focus. The ellipsoidal part of the cavity includes a wall reflecting light emitted by the medium in response to the excitation light beam, the device including means (5) of collecting said emitted light at the second focus (F2).

Abstract: A fluorescence observing apparatus has an illumination system for irradiating a specimen with exciting light and an observation system for observing fluorescent light emanating from the specimen. Low-fluorescence glass is used for lenses of the first and seventh lens units of an objective lens used in both the illumination system and the observation system. The low-fluorescence glass has a platinum content of less than 1 ppm. Whereby, high-precision and high-quality fluorescence observations and fluorescence measurements become possible.

Abstract: The method is well suited for single molecule observation. A fluorescence or Raman signal from single molecules is detected by photon counting. The sequence of detected photons is divided into counting intervals by defining the end of a counting interval when a predefined number of photons has been counted. For the photons from every counting interval, stochastic variables are determined like fluorescence decay time, anisotropy of the observed signal, etc., which are characteristic for the molecules. A multidimensional histogram is constructed as a function of the stochastic variables, whereby the histogram is built up using values of the variables determined from each counting interval. Regions of the histogram can be used to determine how the molecules are distributed in respect to binding sites, etc. The signal from selected regions of the histograms can then be chosen for further selective analysis to give species specific results.

Abstract: The present invention is an invisible eyemark for orienting squeeze tubes during manufacture. The invisible eyemark is composed of a dye that absorbs electromagnetic wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum and is therefore invisible to the human eye. The invisible eyemark is an improvement over the art, as it does not detract from tube decorations or product labels.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and accurately compensating position error during operation (in “real time”) are provided. For some embodiments, rather than rely on two dimensional position measurements, measurements in at least three dimensions may be taken allowing compensation for pitch and roll and, therefore, more accurate position measurements. Further, by including a measurement of a beam column, compensation for movement of the beam may be performed.

Abstract: A tilt control method includes a tilt control step for automatic control of the tilt (?) of a tilt device (1) by at least one electronic tilt sensor (2) based on gravitational force (G) and by a tilt control device (5), and a sensor test step which is carried out automatically at a test initiation signal, and in case of a malfunction, supplies an error signal (?) which prevents the tilt control step from being carried out.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing EMI in charged particle beam systems are provided. By placing noise sensitive electronic modules used in charged particles systems in a shielded equipment cell, and routing DC only signals to power the modules, EMI within the housing may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for generating a flash. The method includes computing dose correction multipliers taking into account fogging scattering effects, backscattering effects and fast secondary scattering effects; and using the dose correction multipliers to generate the flash.

Abstract: A method for generating a flash. The method includes computing a displacement vector to resist charging. The displacement vector is defined as {right arrow over (?)}c=dP{circle around (x)}{right arrow over (K)}, where {right arrow over (?)}crepresents the displacement vector, d represents dose correction multipliers, P represents a pattern and {right arrow over (K)} represents a Poisson kernel converted to a spatial domain. The method further includes using the displacement vector to modify the positioning of the flash.

Abstract: A shaped particle beam writing strategy can be used to write a pattern with a particle beam onto a substrate. The pattern comprises a circuit design that is fractured into a plurality of arbitrary polygons. The writing strategy comprises transforming and fracturing the arbitrary polygons into a plurality of restricted polygons, each restricted polygon being represented by a location coordinate, at least two dimension coordinates, and at least one external edge indicator. Thereafter, the restricted polygons are tiled into a set of tiles comprising interior tiles and external edge tiles. Flash data is assigned for each tile such that the interior tiles are assigned a first flash area and the external edge tiles are assigned a second flash area that is smaller than the first flash area. The flash data is arranged in a selected order to write the pattern with a modulated particle beam, such as an electron beam, on a substrate.

Abstract: An electron beam column comprises a thermal field emission electron source to generate an electron beam, an electron beam blanker, a beam shaping module, and electron beam optics comprising a plurality of electron beam lenses. In one version, the optical parameters of the electron beam blanker, beam shaping module, and electron beam optics are set to achieve an acceptance semi-angle ? of from about ¼ to about 3 mrads, where the acceptance semi-angle ? is the half the angle subtended by the electron beam at the writing plane. The beam-shaping module can also operate as a single lens using upper and lower projection lenses. A multifunction module for an electron beam column is also described.

Abstract: A method for immersion lithography includes providing a substrate coated with an imaging layer, dispensing a conductive immersion fluid between the substrate and an imaging lens of a lithography system, and performing an exposure process to the imaging layer using a radiation energy through the conductive immersion fluid.

Abstract: A charged particle beam apparatus with a charged particle beam source including an emitter with an emitter tip and a supporting member for supporting the emitter is provided. Further, the apparatus includes an emitter location measuring device for repeatedly measuring the location of the emitter and a deflector system for compensating variations in the location of the emitter.

Abstract: There is provided a device for hair care having a housing with at least one aperture, one or more ion generators for selectively generating concentrations of ions having different combinations of intensity and polarity, and one or more ion emitters for selectively emitting concentrations of ions having different combinations of intensity and polarity. The device can be any device or combination of such devices, suitable for use with hair and for to optimize the known beneficial effects of ionization to hair of the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and apparatus for improving doping uniformity during ion implantation, particularly during a high-tilt ion implantation. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for improving doping uniformity in a high-tilt ion implantation, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a wafer along an axis perpendicular to an ion beam scan plane to form an angle between a surface of the wafer and a plane perpendicular to the ion beam; measuring a current of the ion beam by moving a current detector across the ion beam in a path substantially coplanar with a surface of the wafer; and adjusting a doping uniformity of the ion beam current based on the measuring step.

Abstract: A MEMS device with an overhanging ‘polymer’ capillary provides vital and significant improvements in interfacing a MEMS electrospray nozzle to an MS inlet or other macroscopic instrumentation. The fabrication methodology associated therewith is easily expanded to include built-in micro particle filters and centimeter long serpentine micro channels provided on-chip and fabricated using a low temperature process.

Abstract: A device couples energy from an electromagnetic wave to charged particles in a beam. The device includes a micro-resonant structure and a cathode for providing electrons along a path. The micro-resonant structure, on receiving the electromagnetic wave, generates a varying field in a space including a portion of the path. Electrons are deflected or angularly modulated to a second path.

Abstract: Apparatus, device, and methods for fragmenting high molecular weight molecular ions, such as peptides or proteins, by treating the ions with predetermined wavelengths of light are described. Vacuum ultraviolet radiation as a source of predetermined wavelengths of laser light is described in one embodiment. A device (50) is described having a sample, such as a peptide, protein, protein digest, and the like enters through inlet (55) and is irradiated with a first source of light (60), which illustratively may be a laser light. The first source of laser light is illustratively at a wavelength and energy sufficient to convert molecules in the sample into molecular or precursor ions.

Abstract: A discharge control unit controls discharge from a discharge electrode at low voltage, has a high density mounting based on downsizing of the discharge control portion eliminates electric leakage and has excellent discharge stability. The discharge control unit includes: a heating portion including at least one heat-generating body and driver ICs electrically connected to the heat-generating bodies and caused to generate heat by flowing an electric current to an optional point of one heat-generating body or selectively flowing the same to a plurality of heat-generating bodies; and a heat generation portion insulating film covered on at least the heat-generating bodies; and discharge electrodes, to which voltage is applied, disposed at the heat generation portion insulating film so as to correspond to the heat-generating bodies; wherein discharge is carried out from discharge portions of the discharge electrodes selectively heated by the heat-generating bodies.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are provided relating to plasma-based light source that may be used for lithography as well as other applications. For example, a device is disclosed for producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light based on a sheared plasma flow. The device can produce a plasma pinch that can last several orders of magnitude longer than what is typically sustained in a Z-pinch, thus enabling the device to provide more power output than what has been hitherto predicted in theory or attained in practice. Such power output may be used in a lithography system for manufacturing integrated circuits, enabling the use of EUV wavelengths on the order of about 13.5 nm. Lastly, the process of manufacturing such a plasma pinch is discussed, where the process includes providing a sheared flow of plasma in order to stabilize it for long periods of time.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus, comprising a collector being constructed to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to an illumination system, wherein the collector is provided with at least one fluid duct, the apparatus including a temperature conditioner to thermally condition the collector utilizing the fluid duct of the collector, the temperature conditioner being configured to feed a first fluid to the fluid duct during a first period, and to feed a second fluid to the fluid duct during at least a second period

Abstract: The object of an arrangement and a method for the generation of extreme ultraviolet radiation is to construct the radiation source with an increased lifetime of the electrodes for using various emitters, wherein deposits inside the discharge chamber are reduced considerably when using metal emitters. The starting material is supplied as a continuous series of individual volumes which are introduced successively by directed injection and are pre-ionized by a pulsed energy beam. At least the electrode that is thermally loaded to a comparatively greater degree is constructed as a rotating electrode.

Abstract: A solid state relay is formed by mounting a light-emitting element on a light-emitting side lead frame, mounting a light-receiving element or a switching element which operates in response to the light-receiving element and signals from the light-receiving element on a light-receiving side lead frame, arranging these lead frames on the light-emitting side and the light-receiving side to opposite each other, and sealing into one package and is formed by mounting protective element that protects the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element on at least one of the lead frames and arranging the protective element or the protective element and the switching element inside a primary mold resin that seals the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus and process for evaluating an image-wise exposed storage film positioned about a cylindrically-shaped member and linearly passed a cylindrically-shaped slot for interrogation by a light beam wherein a processing assembly is co-axially disposed within a processing chamber formed by the cylindrically-shaped member and wherein the processing assembly includes a plate member disposed for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the processing chamber and having a pentaprism and a fluorescence light sensor positioned proximate a contact point of the interrogating light beam with the storage film and further including converting electronics for the thus generated fluorescence light wherein after interrogation, the storage film is immediately restored in the same apparatus for subsequent reuse.

Abstract: An improved, reverse-flow diaphragm valve assembly having a valve member encased within a valve housing including a base portion, having inlet and outlet ports, and a bonnet. The valve member is carried by a resilient diaphragm in a pressure chamber. In a preferred form, a solenoid actuated valve can command the movement of the valve member between closed position and open positions. A hand settable control piston and spring manage forces on the diaphragm, allowing the user to set the pressure drop across the valve. The control piston has an enlarged portion, preferably a flared flange, for providing support for the resilient diaphragm to help prevent wear and damage so to prolong the life of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a rotatable valve, an electrically operated actuator, and an overstroke device. The actuator comprises a component configured to move in a direction to an actuator position so as to cause corresponding rotation of the valve to a valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator. The overstroke device is configured to enable the component to move in the direction beyond the actuator position to an overstroke position while the valve remains in the valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A cassette for controlling the flow of IV fluid from a patient to a source. The cassette preferably includes, along the fluid passage through the cassette, first and second membrane-based valves on either side of a pressure-conduction chamber, and a stopcock-type valve. The stopcock valve is preferably located downstream of the second membrane-based valve, which is preferably located downstream of the pressure-conduction chamber. The stopcock control valve preferably has two rigid cylindrical members with complementary surfaces, wherein one member includes a tapered groove defined on its complementary surface. The two complementary surfaces define a space therebetween, instead of having an interference fit, and a resilient sealing member is disposed in this space.

Abstract: One method includes applying to a post-manufactured textile material a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients. The ingredients include one or more anti-fading compounds, one or more anti-soiling compounds, one or more silicon-based compounds, and one or more carrying media. One composition is a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients, with the ingredients including a benzotriazole, a fluorocarbon, an organosiloxane, and odorless mineral spirits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a material, and a solid electrolyte and a photovoltaic device using the same. When the material is used as a hole transporting layer material of the photovoltaic device, the reduction of an electrolytic layer resulting from leakage or volatilization of an electrolytic solution is prevented, thus the battery characteristics, long-term stability, and reliability of the photovoltaic device are improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel strontium-lanthanum-tungsten-containing metal composite oxide. An ionic conductor comprising the metal composite oxide and an electrochemical device comprising the ionic conductor are also disclosed. The metal composite oxide has an improved ionic conductivity, because formation of an open space within a lattice is ensured by the defects of metal ion sites in the lattice. Therefore, the metal composite oxide is useful for an ionic conductor or an electrochemical device requiring ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A process for preparing superparamagnetic transition metal nanoparticles by introducing into a gas stream a hydrocarbon and a transition metal carboxyl wherein the transition metal carbonyl is introduced downstream from the hydrocarbon; wherein at the point of introduction of the hydrocarbon the gas stream is in the form of a plasma, and wherein at the point of introduction of the transition metal carbonyl the gas stream is at a temperature of at least 1000° C.; followed by quenching to form carbon-coated transition metal nanoparticles; and wherein the gas stream consists essentially of at least one inert gas and hydrogen.

Abstract: A working fluid for heat pipe includes a liquid and a plurality of nano-sized particles dispersed in the liquid. The liquid has a surface tension increasing with increasing temperature in a working temperature range of the heat pipe. The working fluid for heat pipe has a surface tension increasing with increasing temperature in a working temperature range of the heat pipe can avoid capillary limit of the heat pipe reducing at operating temperature range of the heat pipe. The nano-sized particles dispersed in the working fluid have high thermal conductivities, and the performance of the heat pipe can be enhanced.

Abstract: Water-soluble amino acid copolymers, modified polysaccharides, acrylamide polymers, and combinations thereof, are described, for uses including flocculation of solids, particularly flocculation of soil, such as in an agricultural setting. Also described are methods of preparing selected amino acid copolymers and modified polysaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystalline resin composition capable of readily blow-molding a molded article having uniform thickness, with the addition of good blow-moldability owing to the improved drawdown-resistant property, the improved melt-tension increase rate, and other properties without deteriorating the low gas-permeability which is a characteristic of liquid crystalline resin.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a light emitting device which can generate high-intensity light emission, using a fluorescent material containing a rare earth element ion complex and being excellent in durability and also provide the fluorescent material to be used therein. The present invention relates to a light emitting device comprising a semiconductor light emitting element which emits light within the region from near-ultraviolet light to visible light, and a fluorescent material which contains a rare earth element ion complex having an aromatic ring-containing Bronsted acid ion with a pKa value of 7 or less as a ligand and emits light by the action of light of the semiconductor light emitting element.

Abstract: A nanoemulsion composition having enhanced oxidative stability, emulsion stability, and health benefits. The composition may include individual ingredients or a synergistic blend of non-reducing sugars, sugar polyols, medium-chain triglycerides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phospholipids, chitosan, and alpha-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein or protein fragments, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides. The composition may optionally be further utilized for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia or bone (and teeth) mineral loss.

Abstract: A bioactive complex composition having enhanced oxidative stability, emulsion stability, mineral rich transparent beverages and a wide range of functional health benefits. The composition may include as a base composition individual ingredients or a synergistic blend of mineral salts, Omega-3 rich oils, phospholipids, chitosan, and alpha-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein or protein fragments, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides. The composition may optionally be further utilized for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia, bone (and teeth) mineral loss, treatment of mental health diseases, heart health, additional nutritional supplementation, and treatment of additional medical conditions.

Abstract: A non-ambient pressuring-dependent fire extinguishing chemical that includes a fire retardant, a foament, a preservative, and a carrier. The fire retardant is potassium citrate in a range of approximately 30% to approximately 60% by weight, preferably 42.86% by weight. The foament is sodium bicarbonate in a range of approximately 3% to approximately 10% by weight, preferably approximately 5.04% by weight. The preservative is citric acid in a range of approximately 1% to approximately 3% by weight, preferably approximately 1.68% by weight. The carrier is water, preferably deionized water in a range of approximately 40% to approximately 60% by weight, preferably approximately 50.42% by weight.

Abstract: The electrical conductivity of thin films of transparent conducting polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT/PSS) can be increased greatly by exposure to certain polar organic solvents, aqueous/organic solutions, and aqueous/organic or organic solutions containing additives such as oxidative dopants, monomers, organic compounds, or combinations thereof. The transparency of the film in the visible region of the spectrum is maintained after treatment to enhance conductivity. The conductivity of films of transparent conducting polymers based on poly(thienothiophenes) such as poly(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)/PSS (PTT/PSS) and poly(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)/fluoropolymeric acid is altered to much less of a degree by analogous solvent treatment, or by direct solvent addition into PTT dispersions.

Abstract: A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid.

Abstract: Compositions for protecting an object from electromagnetic radiation exposure is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the composition can include a plurality of different crystalline colloidal arrays, the arrays comprising particles dispersed within a matrix. At least one of the different crystalline colloidal arrays can randomly orientate within the composition.

Abstract: A fire-retardant coating material includes an intumescent material and a binder. The intumescent material is cured and powdered. The intumescent material includes a hydrocarbon, acid source and blowing agent. The hydrocarbon includes a plurality of alcohol groups. The fire-retardant coating material dries at room temperature.

Abstract: A fence cover or sheath comprising a canal, a lid and means for assembling the same. The said sheath is made of flexible materials and variable in colors and dimensions and it is conveniently used in the protection and maintenance of post and rails fences against climate conditions. The invention provides the advantage of reducing the time dedicated to the fence's maintenance and avoids the need of expensive maintenance materials while providing an aesthetic alternative to consumers.

Abstract: A screw hiding device for combining lateral tubes with upright tubes includes a position strip to match with each lateral tube. Each position strip has an upright wall to contact with each upright tube and fixed together with a screw. Each lateral tube has plural holes for the upright tube to pass through, and a lower support ridge at two sides of each hole and two upper stoppers respectively on two opposite inner walls, with the distance between each upper stopper and each lower support ridge being equal to the height of the upright wall of the position strip. Each position strip is fixed on an outer surface of each upright tube with a screw and in the space between the upper stopper and the lower support ridge, with each lateral tube hiding each screw and each position strip to beautify a fence formed by the lateral and the upright tubes.

Abstract: The gated parking corral is a protected parking area designed to be set up in parking lots or fields to protect a vehicle from damage. The gated corral has a fence with vertical posts and horizontal beams attached between the vertical posts to form an enclosure. At the end of the enclosure, a gate arm is pivotally connected to one of the vertical posts. A padded rail is connected between the vertical posts and protects vehicles from dings when the doors are opened. Sensors are affixed along the horizontal beams that determine the presence of a vehicle within the enclosure. Once the sensors detect a vehicle within the enclosure, the gate arm is closed. Upon payment of a certain amount of monies into a coin box connected to the gate arm, the gate arm will operate in an upward direction to allow the vehicle to exit the corral.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element and a memory incorporating the magnetic element is described. The method and system for providing the magnetic element include providing a pinned layer, a spacer layer, and a free layer. The free layer includes granular free layer having a plurality of grains in a matrix, the spacer layer residing between the pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetic element is configured to allow the granular free layer to be switched due to spin-transfer when a write current is passed through the magnetic element.

Abstract: A film substrate that has antenna circuits formed at a fixed spacing on one surface thereof is transported at a constant speed, and IC chips are moved along the film substrate, and are mounted at the fixed spacing on the film substrate so as to be connected to the antenna circuits.