Abstract: The present invention relates to optimizing optical power from a laser processing system, and more specifically to a method of optimizing the optical power by employing parallel laser processing techniques to maximize fabrication quality and yield. The method in the present invention includes the steps of: determining the specification for the final product, selecting the proper combination of optical power and processing method for processing a single feature, determining the maximum number of features in pattern to be parallel processed, selecting a portion of the desired pattern that can be parallel processed, designing the DOEs, manufacturing the DOEs, incorporating the DOE into laser processing system, operating and controlling the laser processing system, and determining if more DOEs are needed to complete the laser processing.

Abstract: An arc welding torch control system providing remotely selectable control over welding wire feed rate and welding current without discontinuing use of the welding device. A torch mounted three position switch provides for selection of variable wire feed rate with constant preselected current control, variable current control with a preselected constant wire feed rate, or simultaneous variation of both parameters over a given preselected range. Control of the selection and parameter range control is remotely presented to the welding operator by use of torch mounted controls or by remote controls co-located in the immediate location of with the welding torch so that the operator can manipulate the rate of the selected parameter by foot or otherwise without the need to discontinue the welding operation.

Abstract: Several aspects of an in-line welding gun are disclosed. In one aspect, the welding gun has a variable profile insulating boot disposed over the torch barrel of the gun. The variable profile insulating boot may include a molded material having varying thickness to provide the desired insulating properties. In another aspect of the welding gun, a speed control mechanism for the motor driving the wire feed assembly is positioned in a recess in the housing such that it reduces the risk of being unintentionally adjusted during operation of the welding gun. In another aspect of the welding gun, the wire feed mechanism features a feeder roller and an idler roller that may be separated without opening the housing of the welding gun. To separate the rollers, the user may depress a portion on the exterior of the housing to press on a pivotable lever on which the idler roller is disposed.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a welding torch nipple for coupling a welding cable and neck assembly to one another. The exemplary nipple includes two hollow tubes: an inner tube disposed in an outer tube. The inner tube includes features that facilitate mating with a welding cable and the outer tube is configured to receive a neck assembly. A dielectric layer disposed between the inner and outer tubes electrically isolates the outer tube from the inner tube, thereby protecting a user from electrical shock, for instance. The dielectric layer includes a stem portion that extends radially into the outer tube, blocking axial separation of the outer tube and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a welding torch that includes features facilitating aligned assembly of various components of the welding torch with respect to one another. For example, the welding torch includes a nipple that carries a pin member extending from both an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral of a sleeve of the nipple. This pin engages with a slot on a coupling member and a slot on a neck assembly, thereby facilitating proper alignment of the neck assembly, coupling member, and nipple with respect to one another. Moreover, the engagement between the pin member and the slots block pivotal displacement of neck assembly, coupling member, and neck assembly with respect to one another. Advantageously, the use of a single pin member for both slots presents a more judicious construction, leading to reduced manufacturing costs, for instance.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror system includes an exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element for providing a rearward view to an occupant of a vehicle and a power distributor for distributing power from a single electrical power connector to a plurality of functional elements associated with the reflective element. The power distributor has a plurality of electrical leads corresponding to each functional element of the plurality of functional elements; the plurality of functional elements includes at least two functional elements selected from the group consisting of a dimming device, a heater and a turn signal. The power distributor has at least one power lead for operative connection of the power distributor to an onboard power supply of the vehicle.

Abstract: A temperature regulator regulates a temperature of a microchemical chip that has chemical reaction sections. The temperature regulator includes a temperature measuring unit and a thermoelectric element corresponding to each chemical reaction section. The temperature regulator further includes a heat conductor, a heat exchanging unit, and a temperature controlling unit that controls electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric element based on a temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.

Abstract: A device for covering food (306) during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet (100) having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface (102) that is free of openings. The sheet (100) has a configuration including size, shape, and weight distribution for flexibly draping the sheet (100) over the food (306) on a rigid structure (304) such that the flexibly draped sheet (100) overhangs and folds loosely over an outer perimeter of the rigid structure thereby forming at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) when the sheet contacts at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure (304). During microwave heating, the at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) substantially contains food-splattering (308) inside while allowing steam (312) to escape through an opening (310) formed between the flexibly draped sheet (100) and the outer perimeter of the rigid structure (304).

Abstract: A heating and cooking apparatus includes a cooking apparatus main body having a heating chamber, a drawer body including a base for carrying a heated target and formed such that the base moves from inside of the heating chamber to outside, a door drive motor moving the drawer body, and a control unit controlling the door drive motor for varying a moving speed of the door. The control unit is formed to control the door drive motor such that a moving speed of the drawer body at at least one stage selected from a group consisting of a draw-out initial stage, a draw-out final stage, a push-in initial stage, and a push-in final stage is relatively slower than a moving speed of the drawer body in an intermediate stage of a draw-out and push-in operation.

Abstract: A projection head of a photoelectric sensor includes a first monitoring light receiving device for receiving a part of a light that the light projecting device emits, and a projected light quantity controlling device for executing a control such that a first monitor signal obtained by the first monitoring light receiving device is kept constant to maintain a quantity of projected light of the light projecting device at a predetermined value. Also, a controlling portion of a controller senses an abnormality of the projection head based on a monitor signal obtained from the first monitoring light receiving device to be monitored via the head cable, and suppress a light projected from the light projecting device. The separate type photoelectric switch, in which the projection head is separated from the controller, is constructed such that the abnormality of the projection head can be monitored on the controller side.

Abstract: A method of operating a pixel array includes activating a global storage signal to store a photosensor charge in a first storage region of each pixel, activating a first reset signal for pixels in a first row to reset a second storage region of first row pixels, sampling the reset second storage region, activating a third reset signal for pixels in a second row to reset a third storage region of second row pixels, sampling the reset third storage region, transferring the photosensor charge from the first storage region of pixels in a first set of columns of the first and second rows of the array respectively to the second and third storage regions, sampling the photosensor charge from the second storage region from first row/first column pixels, and sampling the photosensor charge from the third storage region from second row/first column pixels.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device is provided which has a plurality of photo detector circuits and a plurality of processing elements. Each of the photo detector circuits includes a comparing circuit, which compares an output of a photo detector element with a reference voltage. A/D conversion is performed by counting the elapsed time until the output of the photo detector element drops below the reference voltage, and a level of the reference voltage as a function of time to be applied to the comparing circuit and time intervals of the counting are uniquely determined based on given quantization intervals of an amount of current generated by the photo detector element. In addition, the photo detector elements may be reset locally based on the result of the corresponding processing element.

Abstract: A CMOS sensor array includes a plurality of unit blocks.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes the following: a pixel array section in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, each of the pixels outputting an image signal; and a column circuit area including a plurality of column circuits. In the solid-state imaging device, a vertical signal line through which image signals from a single column of pixels are output is selectively connected to a given number, which is more than one, of the column circuits, and a signal from a selected pixel row is selectively output to one of the given number of the column circuits so that signals read out from the same pixel can be sent to the same column circuit.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a lead frame, a photo-detection chip and a control IC chip mounted on the lead frame, a first sealing portion that seals the photo-detection chip and the control IC chip, and a second sealing portion that covers the first sealing portion in a state of partially exposing the lens portion. The second sealing portion has a raised portion formed along the lens portion on the basal end side of the lens portion, which makes it possible to obtain a sufficient shielding effect against noise and therefore to improve tolerance to noise.

Abstract: Provided are a surface emitting laser device having an optical sensor, and an optical waveguide device employing the same. The surface emitting laser device having an optical sensor includes a surface emitting laser formed on a substrate and generating a laser beam to output it to outside, and an optical sensor formed adjacent to the surface emitting laser on the substrate and receiving external light. In the surface emitting laser device having the optical sensor, and the optical waveguide device employing the same, the surface emitting laser and the optical sensor are simultaneously integrated, however, the performance of the surface emitting laser is unaffected by the optical sensor and the optical sensor operates separately, exhibits high performance, and can respond within a wide wavelength band.

Abstract: This invention improves the use efficiency of light emitted by a solid light emitter such as a light emitting diode, and realizes a desired directional pattern. On a front boundary surface of a mold resin 13 sealing a light emitter 12, there are formed a direct emission region 18 for emitting the light from the light emitter 12 and a total reflection region 19 for totally reflecting the light from the light emitter 12. The direct emission region 18 is convex lens-shaped. A light reflecting portion 20 having a concave mirror shape is disposed on a rear wall of the mold resin 13. A part of light emitted from the light emitter 12 is emitted forward by receiving an optical lens action when it passes through the direct emission region 18. Another part of the light emitted by from the light emitter 12 is totally reflected by the total reflection region 19, and is reflected by the light reflecting portion 20, and emitted forward from the total reflection region 19.

Abstract: An optical navigation device detects relative motion of non-optically flat surfaces, e.g. fingers by comparing the captured images of the surface texture, e.g. ridges on the finger. Within a housing, a light source and a sensor array are positioned proximately. The sensor array is mounted on a substrate. A lens array interposes the surface to be imaged and the sensor array such that a 1:1 image of the surface, e.g. finger surface of the user onto the 2D sensor array, is formed. The micro-lenses may be designed to match individual pixels on the sensor array, or each element of the lens array is used to cover a group of pixels on the sensor. The micro-lenses may be positioned such that the image is formed onto the sensor array or formed in a plane in space such that the image is defocused from the surface.

Abstract: An optically-powered integrated microstructure pressure sensing system for sensing pressure within a cavity. the pressure sensing system comprises a pressure sensor having an optical resonant structure subject to the pressure within the cavity and having physical properties changing due to changing pressures within the cavity. A substrate supports the optical resonant structure. An input optical pathway evanescently couples light into the optical resonant structure. An output optical pathway collects light from the optical resonance structure. A light source delivers a known light input into the input optical pathway whereby the known light input is evanescently coupled into the optical resonant structure by the input optical pathway and a portion of such light is collected from the optical resonant structure by the output optical pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control panel, in particular for a motor vehicle, provided with at least one rotary button (10) for adjusting a parameter relating to an air stream propelled by a ventilating, heating and/or air conditioning apparatus, characterised in that the said adjusting button (10) is an optical encoder with selective light emission and reception, and comprising a rotatable part (20) protruding from the control panel, and a fixed part (30) co-operating with the moving part (20) for emitting and receiving the light. This control panel is adapted to adjust, for example, the temperature, flow rate or distribution of the said air stream.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a code strip having a first side, a second side, a first track comprising indicia thereon, and a second track comprising indicia thereon. The code strip is moveable along a displacement path with respect to the optical encoder. A light source positioned on the first side of the code strip directs light toward the code strip. A first detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the first track of the code strip. A second detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the second track of the code strip. The second detector element is also positioned so that the second detector element is located a spaced distance along the displacement path from the first detector element.

Abstract: An encoder device for the determination of absolute angle or linear segments is described, with which the distance from the actual to the reference position is determined upon prompting and output via incremental signals. This encoder offers new functions for the incremental measuring system employed up to now. The transition to the absolute measuring system is also made possible according to requirements.

Abstract: A method and system using the Sequential Probability Ratio Test to enhance the detection of an elevated level of radiation, by determining whether a set of observations are consistent with a specified model within a given bounds of statistical significance. In particular, the SPRT is used in the present invention to maximize the range of detection, by providing processing mechanisms for estimating the dynamic background radiation, adjusting the models to reflect the amount of background knowledge at the current point in time, analyzing the current sample using the models to determine statistical significance, and determining when the sample has returned to the expected background conditions.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is provided including at least one ionization chamber (1), which can be passed through by analyte-containing gas and at least one radiation source (2), from which ionizing radiation which is suitable for at least partially ionizing the analyte-containing gas enters the ionization chamber (1). At least one transition area (3) is provided, into which the at least partially ionized gas as ion carrier gas (4) and an almost ion-free gas as drift gas (5) can be charged in a way that, at least at the end of the transition area (3), a flow is established, in which cross-sectional areas (6) are mainly passed through by ion carrier gas (4) and other cross-sectional areas (7, 7?) are mainly passed through by drift gas (5).

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved electron beam apparatus with improvements in throughput, accuracy, etc. One of the characterizing features of the electron beam apparatus of the present invention is that it has a plurality of optical systems, each of which comprises a primary electron optical system for scanning and irradiating a sample with a plurality of primary electron beams; a detector device for detecting a plurality of secondary beams emitted by irradiating the sample with the primary electron beams; and a secondary electron optical system for guiding the secondary electron beams from the sample to the detector device; all configured so that the plurality of optical systems scan different regions of the sample with their primary electron beams, and detect the respective secondary electron beams emitted from each of the respective regions. This is what makes higher throughput possible.

Abstract: Provided is an electron beam apparatus in which an electron beam emitted from an electron gun is separated by a plurality of apertures, images of said apertures are reduced in more than two stages to form multi-beams on a sample surface and to scan said sample thereby, and secondary electrons from said sample are passed through an objective lens, where distances between said secondary electrons are extended, further through an E×B separator, where said secondary electrons are separated from the primary beam, and finally onto secondary electron detectors, where said secondary electrons are detected, wherein a lens defined in the second step for reducing said image of the aperture is composed of two stage lens and an enlarged image of the secondary electron is formed on a position between a first and a second lenses of said two stage lens, thereby reducing an aberration of the optical system for detecting the secondary electrons and allowing as many multi-beams as possible to be formed in the vicinity of a sing

Abstract: A method for investigating the macromolecular structure of a molecular sample, the method composing irradiating the sample with radiation having a plurality of frequencies in the range of 25 GHz to 20 THz; detecting radiation reflected from and/or transmitted by said sample to obtain a spectra of the sample; and identifying structure in the resultant spectra which arises from intermolecular interactions.

Abstract: An absorbent membrane (1) is fixed in suspension onto a front face of a substrate (2), in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate (2), by at least one alveolate structure thermally insulating the membrane from the substrate (2) and arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the substrate (2). The detector can comprise arms (3) fixedly secured to the absorbent membrane (1). The alveolate structures can be respectively arranged between one of the arms (3) and the substrate (2). The alveolate structure can be formed by a plurality of superposed thin layers (6) separated by spacers (7) or by superposed rows of arcades formed by thin layers. The alveolate structure can comprise a porous pad.

Abstract: A gas species monitoring system includes a laser system, where the laser system includes a multisection DBR laser, and a plurality of measurement points disposed at different locations within the system. The laser system is configured to selectively deliver a laser beam from the multisection DBR laser to each measurement point within the system to determine a concentration of at least one gas species at each measurement point. A chemical detection grid is aligned with the ITU-GRID to facilitate use of a multisection DRB laser that operates within one or more of the defined bands of the ITU-GRID.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus operable with a test specimen has a light source with a laser having an output beam, and a beam splitter that splits the output beam of the laser into a first split beam and a second split beam. A test specimen holder holds the test specimen therein. A first optical fiber receives the first split beam and directs the first split beam against the test specimen in the test specimen holder. The apparatus further includes an instrumentation module. A second optical fiber receives the second split beam and conducts the second split beam to the instrumentation module. A third optical fiber receives signal light from the test specimen in the test specimen holder and conducts the signal light to the instrumentation module.

Abstract: A method of checking a deteriorated layer formed in the inside of a workpiece along a dividing line by applying a laser beam capable of passing through the workpiece to the workpiece along the dividing line formed on the workpiece, the method comprising a focusing step of positioning a microscope of infrared image pick-up means to the dividing line formed on the workpiece, and setting the focusing point of the microscope to a position where the deteriorated layer in the inside of the workpiece has been formed; and an image pick-up step of picking up an image of the inside of the workpiece by moving the infrared image pick-up means and the workpiece along the dividing line relative to each other to scan the workpiece, wherein the deteriorated layer formed in the inside of the workpiece is checked based on the image picked up in the image pick-up step.

Abstract: A gas sensor of the type that detects the presence of a specific gas by monitoring the absorption of optical radiation transmitted through a chamber containing a sample of gas under test comprises an optical source for emitting radiation therefrom and a detector sensitive to radiation emitted from the source at opposing ends of a circumferential chamber, having optically reflective surfaces, extending around the periphery of a sensor housing. The optical pathway between the source and detector may include a radial portion, a circumferential portion and an axial portion to allow a compact optical path. The gas sensor includes, within a single housing, electronic circuitry for conditioning the electrical output of the detector to provide an output that is a function of at least one selected gas concentration and which is automatically compensated for at least one of temperature, pressure, humidity, and range normalization.

Abstract: A gas sensor arrangement comprises a gas measuring chamber containing a gaseous analyte. First and second radiation sources emit radiation. The first radiation source operates as a measuring radiation source and the second radiation source operates as a reference radiation source. The radiation is directed through the gas measuring chamber and into a detector that generates an output signal depending on the presence of the gaseous analyte. A control device evaluates the output signal from the detector. The control device interchanges the operation of the first and second radiation sources after a predetermined service life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening articles utilizing a plurality of operators, with each operator utilizing an interactive display to identify and electronically mark objects within an article to be further examined. An operator positioned at an interactive display views electronic images of an article to be screened after it has been conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the interactive display. The operator selects objects within the article displayed on the screen for further examination using the interactive feature of the display thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.

Abstract: A method for producing a high resolution detector array so as to provide very high packing fraction, i.e., the distance between scintillator elements is minimized so the detector efficiency will be higher than is currently achievable. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabrication methodology is enhanced by handling LSO bars rather than single crystals when gluing on the Lumirror® as well as etching the LSO. Namely, an LSO boule is cut into wide bars of a selected dimension, for example 30 mm, which are then acid etched or mechanically polished. A selected number, N, of these LSO bars can then be glued together with Lumirror® sheets between each bar (coating the LSO disks and Lumirror® sheets with Epotek 301-2). The glued bar block is then cut again into bars in a perpendicular direction, and these new LSO-Lumirror® bars are etched.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquisition apparatus (15) includes a conversion panel (20) aligned with a photo detector array (40). The conversion panel (20) includes a plurality of conversion cells (22), each including a conversion body (31), an X-ray transparent and light reflective file over the top (32) of the body (31), and a light reflective film (36) surrounding the body (31). The body (31) is made of a scintillating material that efficiently generates optical light photons in response to X-ray radiation illuminating thereon and is substantially transparent to the optical light photons. The body (31) is also sufficiently long to absorb the X-ray radiation over a wide range of energy levels. The light reflective films (36, 38) collimate the optical light photons generated in the body (31) toward the photo detector array (40) to form X-ray images.

Abstract: Described is a triggering arrangement including a power supply, a lighting arrangement and a switch. The lighting arrangement is coupled to the power supply. The switch is coupled to the lighting arrangement and the power supply. When the switch is in a first position, the lighting arrangement generates light to a photo-sensing portable device. The device is situated a predetermined distance from the arrangement. The device initiates a predetermined action in response to the light.

Abstract: A scintillator panel having a wavelength conversion member has some problems: lowered durability to be caused by an area not covered with a protective layer around a projection formed on the wavelength conversion member surface; lowered resolution response and CTF caused by an irregularity of the film thicknesses of wavelength conversion members and a variation in gaps between wavelength conversion members and sensor panels; and breakage of the sensor panel by projections when a radiation detector is formed by bonding the scintillator panel and sensor panel. At least one of these problems can be solved by a scintillator panel having projections on the wavelength conversion member surface whose sizes are reduced, and by a radiation detector having such a scintillator panel and a sensor panel bonded together.

Abstract: A flame detector system includes an ultraviolet sensor to detect ultraviolet radiation, and a microcontroller coupled to the ultraviolet sensor. The microcontroller processes output from the ultraviolet sensor to identify a flame. The system can also include a HV supply circuit to constantly refresh a drive voltage of the sensor. The microcontroller can sense when the sensor discharges and thereupon immediately refresh the sensor. The microcontroller can also monitor a run time for the sensor and adjust a drive voltage for the sensor accordingly. Further, a background count can be monitored to determine the health of the sensor. A memory can also be provided to store data associated with the detector, and a communications module can communicate the data stored in the memory to an external device. The microcontroller calculates a filtered event count and compares the filtered event count to a threshold to determine if a flame is present.

Abstract: A broad spectrum neutron detector has a thermal neutron sensitive scintillator film interleaved with a hydrogenous thermalizing media. The neutron detector has negligible sensitivity to gamma rays and produces a strong and unambiguous signal for virtually all neutrons that interact with the hydrogenous volume. The interleaving of the layers of thermal neutron sensitive phosphors helps ensure that all parts of the thermalizing volume are highly sensitive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and methods for detection and identification of target radionuclides and threatening radionuclides that may be present in a sample volume. One aspect of the invention provides a digital computational apparatus that determines similarity or identity to a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide. In another aspect, the invention provides a high throughput apparatus for detection of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume. In a further aspect the invention provides a high throughput apparatus for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both to appropriate personnel.

Abstract: An electron-optical arrangement provides a primary beam path for a beam of primary electrons and a secondary beam path for secondary electrons. The electron-optical arrangement includes a magnet arrangement having first, second and third magnetic field regions. The first magnetic field region is traversed by the primary beam path and the secondary beam path. The second magnetic field region is arranged in the primary beam path upstream of the first magnetic field region and is not traversed by the secondary beam path. The first and second magnetic field regions deflect the primary beam path in substantially opposite directions. The third magnetic field region is arranged in the secondary beam path downstream of the first magnetic field region and is not traversed by the first beam path. The first and third magnetic field regions deflect the secondary beam path in a substantially same direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe for determining the orientation of electron beams being profiled. To accurately time the location of an electron beam, the probe is designed to accept electrons from only a narrowly defined area. The signal produced from the probe is then used as a timing or triggering fiducial for an operably coupled data acquisition system. Such an arrangement eliminates changes in slit geometry, an additional signal feedthrough in the wall of a welding chamber and a second timing or triggering channel on a data acquisition system. As a result, the present invention improves the accuracy of the resulting data by minimizing the adverse effects of current slit triggering methods so as to accurately reconstruct electron or ion beams.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor panel comprises a substrate having rigidity, a stimulable phosphor layer, and a transparent water vapor proof cover, which are overlaid one upon another in this order. The stimulable phosphor layer is accommodated and sealed within an enclosed region, which is enclosed between the substrate and the transparent water vapor proof cover. An expansible and contractible buffer space is formed so as to be in communication with the enclosed region. The buffer space has a volume falling within the range of 1/10 times to two times as large as the volume of the space within the enclosed region. The transparent water vapor proof cover may be constituted of a deformable film, and the buffer space may be formed by the utilization of a certain area of the transparent water vapor proof cover.

Abstract: Pulsed MeV ion beam techniques are broadly applied in time-of-flight experiments for direct measurements of neutron velocities and energies. They are also used to achieve a neutron monochromater by allowing the selection of neutrons having a well defined velocity. The sequence of components needed for creation of sub-nanosecond pulsed MeV ion beam systems usually consist of a suitable DC ion source, a chopper module for production of beam pulses, a klystron buncher for introducing time compression to individual pulses and a final ion-acceleration stage. It is pointed out that the achievable pulse compression is limited by the energy spread within the pulses that are directed into the klystron buncher. Furthermore, that this energy spread may be dominated by the energy spread created within the preceding chopper system.

Abstract: A beam exposure writing strategy method and system are disclosed for exposing a desired pattern on a substrate, by raster scanning a beam such as a particle beam, across a major field on the substrate. The beam is also vector scanned across a minor field of the substrate superimposed along the major field raster scan. The beam is selectively blanked and unblanked as the beam is being scanned. The unblanked flashes of the beam are modulated in coordination with the raster and vector scanning to expose the desired pattern on the substrate. The disclosed system and method generating an adjustable length microvector having a maximum range of at least about M times a nominal length ?, where M is equal to at least four and ? is substantially equal to a dimension of a nominal flash area, the nominal flash location dimension being substantially greater than a field cell dimension.

Abstract: There is provided a collector for illumination systems for light having a wavelength ?193 nm comprising. The collector includes (a) a first mirror shell adjacent to, and positioned inside of, a second mirror shell around a common axis of rotation, in which the first and second mirror shells are rotationally symmetric, and (b) a component in a region between the first and second mirror shells. The collector is for receiving the light from a light source via an object-side aperture and for illuminating an area in an image-side plane, and the region is not used by the light.

Abstract: A computed radiography (CR) system for imaging an object is provided. The system includes a radiation source, a storage phosphor screen, an illumination source and a two dimensional imager. The radiation source is configured to irradiate the storage phosphor screen, and the storage phosphor screen is configured to store the radiation energy. The illumination source is configured to illuminate at least a sub-area of the storage phosphor screen to stimulate emission of photons from the storage phosphor screen. The two dimensional (2D) imager is configured to capture a two dimensional image from the storage phosphor screen using the stimulated emission photons. A method of reading a storage phosphor screen is also provided. The method includes illuminating at least a sub-area of the storage phosphor screen using an illumination source to stimulate emission of photons from the storage phosphor screen.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a phase change memory cell, comprising the steps of: forming a resistive element; forming a delimiting structure having an aperture over the resistive element; forming a memory portion of a phase change material in the aperture, the resistive element and the memory portion being in direct electrical contact and defining a contact area of sublithographic extension. The step of forming a memory portion further includes filling the aperture with the phase change material and removing from the delimiting structure an exceeding portion of the phase change material exceeding the aperture.