Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency heating apparatus which can heat the inside of the subject to be heated by high-frequency heating, and can apply scorch onto the surface of the subject to be heated. The high-frequency heating apparatus comprises a heating room for storing therein a subject to be heated, a heating unit that is provided at the upper portion of the heating room and performs heater heating, a high-frequency generating unit that is provided at the bottom of the heating room and generates a high-frequency wave to perform high-frequency heating, a high-frequency heating element having a high-frequency heat generating film on its rear surface, and a saucer for placing thereon the subject to be heated, in which a gap is provided between the high-frequency heating element and the saucer. Hereby, scorch can be applied onto a surface of the subject to be heated.

Abstract: In a light raster scanning microscope with illumination arrangement (2) in the form of a line which provides an illumination beam for the illumination of a sample (23) in the form of points or point groups, a scanning arrangement (3, 4) which guides the illumination beam in the form of points or point groups over the sample in a manner so as to scan, a spot detector arrangement (5) which images, via the scanning arrangement (3, 4), the illuminated point or point group spot of the sample (23) by means of at least one confocal aperture (26) on at least one detector unit (28), and a control unit which controls the scanning arrangement (3, 4) and reads out the spot detector arrangement (5), it is provided that, in addition, a wide-field illumination source (29, 34) is provided which illuminates the sample (23) and that the control unit controls the scanning arrangement (3, 4) during the operation of the wide-field illumination source (29, 34) and reads out the spot detector arrangement (5) in such a manner that a

Abstract: A confocal laser scanning microscope acquires confocal images of a sample. The microscope is provided with an optical-microscope optical system which acquires non-confocal images of the sample by detecting measurement light coming from the sample. The optical-microscope optical system includes optical systems corresponding to at least two observation methods, and one of the optical systems is selected during use.

Abstract: A focus detection device which is applied to a fluorescent observation device for observing a fluorescent image to be emitted from an observation sample on the basis of an evanescent light, includes an image pickup unit which detects a contrast of the fluorescent image by imaging the fluorescent image, and a detector which detects a focus on the basis of the detection result.

Abstract: A target tracking device (2) for a flight vehicle (10) is specified which has a position-sensitive photodiode (4) with at least two signal outputs (A1, A2, A3, A4) which are respectively connected to a readout electronics (6), a control unit (8) which is connected to both readout electronics (6), and an optical lens unit (12) for imaging an illuminated point (15) of an object scene (14) on the photodiode (4), the readout electronics (6) respectively having an integration element for integrating a signal of the photodiode (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a lamp includes a base body, a sensor and a signal transfer pattern. The base body includes a first face having a first region corresponding to a lamp and a first peripheral region disposed around the first region, and a second face having a second region corresponding to the first region and a second peripheral region corresponding to the first peripheral region. The sensor is disposed in the first region, and outputs a sensing signal in response to a working status of the lamp. The signal transfer pattern is disposed in the second peripheral region, and transfers the sensing signal. Therefore, the apparatus for monitoring the lamp senses abnormal working lamps, so that normally working lamps may be protected from being damaged, shortening of lifetime, causing a fire, etc.

Abstract: A spatial filter includes a number of photodetectors that generate individual signals in the time domain. The individual signals are subsequently divided and grouped to create the I and Q channels output from the spatial filter. Prior to the formation of the I and Q channels, a window function is used to shape the spatial response of the spatial filter.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device can be provided by which a signal charge stored in a photodiode can be transferred completely even when a power supply voltage is low. The solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of pixel cells arranged on a semiconductor substrate; and a driving unit that is provided for driving the plurality of pixel cells. Each of the plurality of pixel cells includes: a photodiode that converts incident light into a signal charge and stores the signal charge; a transfer transistor that is provided for reading out the signal charge stored in the photodiode; and a potential smoothing unit that is formed so as to allow a potential from the photodiode to the transfer transistor to change smoothly.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device has a differential output configuration for an output stage thereof and an IC in a next stage has a differential amplifier configuration for an input stage thereof. An output buffer unit buffers and outputs a digital signal from a horizontal bus line. At this time, in addition to the normal video signal, the output buffer unit generates an inverted output of the normal video signal. The normal video signal and the inverted output are outputted from a video signal output terminal and an inverted video signal output terminal, respectively, to the outside of a chip. Further, a clock, which is supplied from a timing generator to the output buffer unit, also is buffered and outputted to the outside together with an inverted clock. A differential amplifier is used in an input stage of an IC in a next stage, whereby even signals having blunter waveforms can be recognized.

Abstract: Pulses of optical radiation are counted by a pulse counter in a way representative of its effects on tissue. An analog to digital converter digitizes detected optical radiation pulses and an integrator integrates the digitally detected pluses. The integrator has a time constant characteristic sufficient to combine digitally detected pluses that are close enough together so that they are effectively one pulse with respect to tissue exposure limits. The integrator can be programmable to a particular time constant based on a thermal confinement duration of human tissue and wavelength of laser pulses. A counter circuit counts pulses, and a display displays the counted pulses. A capture circuit enables counting the number of pulses occurring within a capture duration by the counter circuit. The analog to digital converter can be configured to a sensitivity.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter and related systems.

Abstract: The optical image reader is versatile since it can be assembled for use in a variety of reader applications, such as an ultra high definition reader, a high definition reader, a standard reader and an ultra long range reader. In addition to a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target on the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, the reader includes a light shaping optical element array comprising optical elements assembled together as an integral unit and adapted to be fixed to the housing for shaping and directing light on the target. The optical elements are mounted on a panel, which is adapted to be fixed to the reader housing either permanently, or releasably to permit replacement of the panel on the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information detecting device capable of reducing fluctuation in detection accuracy. A recording sheet P transported through a transport path comes into contact with a displacing member, and, in this state, a motor is driven to rotate a cam, and the resilient force of a coil spring causes a pressurizing member to collide with the recording sheet P. The impact force at that time is detected by a detection sensor, and transmitted to a sheet material information obtaining means. Then, on the basis of the detection result, it is possible to detect the type, density, thickness, surface irregularities, etc. of the recording sheet P. At this time, the recording sheet P is in contact with the displacing member, whereby it is possible to reduce fluctuation in detection accuracy due to positional deviation of the recording sheet P.

Abstract: A displacement sensor comprising: a detecting portion including a coil arranged in such manner that a relative position to a magnetic response substance varies in correspondence to a displacement of an object to be measured; an oscillating circuit to supply an alternating-current signal with a prescribed frequency to the detecting portion; an externally attached circuit connected to the detecting portion; and a displacement detecting means to detect the displacement of the object to be measured based on an amount of phase variation of an impedance in the detecting portion and the externally attached circuit, wherein parameters of the externally attached circuit are set in such manner that the amount of the phase variation by the displacement becomes larger than the amount of the phase variation by temperature variation.

Abstract: A laser unit containing a laser package, in which a laser element has been hermetically sealed, is connected with a converging optical system unit containing a converging optical system. The laser unit is provided with a laser package holder, which comprises a holder main body for supporting the laser package and a connecting member. The converging optical system unit is provided with a converging optical system holder, which comprises a holder main body for supporting the converging optical system and a connecting member having been welded to the connecting member of the laser package holder. A thermal conductivity of the holder main body of the laser package holder is set to be larger than the thermal conductivities of the connecting member of the laser package holder and the connecting member of the converging optical system holder.

Abstract: An encoder having a code scale and an emitter detector module is disclosed. The code scale includes alternating reflective and opaque stripes. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element and a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light having a linear polarization in a predetermined direction received by the photodetector, the light source and the photodetector are encapsulated in a transparent medium, wherein there is a gap between the transparent medium and the code scale. The predetermined direction is chosen to reduce the intensity of light received by the photodetector that is reflected from an interface between the transparent medium and the gap. A polarization filter can also be included in the light source to further improve the rejection of the light reflected from the interface of the transparent medium and the gap.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring a rotational motion of a code wheel measures a rotational movement of the code wheel including an error component due to a non-rotational movement of the code wheel; measures the non-rotational movement of the code wheel; and produces an error-corrected measurement of the rotational movement of the code wheel by using the measured non-rotational movement of the code wheel to cancel the error component of the measured rotational movement of the code wheel. A signal can be produced indicating a need for maintenance when the non-rotational movement of the code wheel exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A control mechanism pins an optical fiber assembly on and off gimbal and between gimbals to route the assembly from an off-gimbal optical source across the gimbal axis/axes to an on-gimbal optical element so that the fiber assembly moves with the rotation of the gimbals. To accommodate a relatively large range of motion, the control mechanism is suitably configured to route the fiber assembly in a “U-shaped” loop with one end pinned off-gimbal in a stationary guide track and the other end pinned on-gimbal point in a rotating guide track so that the loose fiber assembly is constrained in the concentric tracks on and off gimbal. As the gimbal rotates, the loop seats onto one guiding track and peels off of the other guiding track while always maintaining its U shape.

Abstract: A thermal imaging apparatus comprises a thermal image camera having a lens and a display. The camera further includes a focal plane array located behind the lens for converting imaging radiation to produce an image signal for further processing. A shutter mechanism is operative to selectively inhibit exposure of the focal plane array to the imaging radiation such that the focal plane array produces a reference signal. Processing circuitry is operative to receive the image signal and produce a corresponding thermal image on the display. The processing circuitry is further operative to utilize the image signal and the reference signal to derive temperature information.

Abstract: A photoemissive ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed for of chlorinated hydrocarbons and nitro-organic materials. Backside illumination of a thin gold film by pulsed laser radiation, pulsed ultraviolet xenon flashlamp, or like UV source, is used to produce bursts of low energy photo-emitted electrons. These swarms of thermalized electrons are directly attached by electronegative analytes or by reactant molecules, followed by charge transfer to the more electronegative analyte. Total internal reflection is incorporated for the backside illumination using optical elements such as a fused silica prism. The spectrometer allows for the direct vaporization of adsorbed explosive molecules from surfaces followed by direct injection into the photoemissive ion mobility spectrometer through a heated inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ionization source having a chamber for ionizing a sample. The ionization chamber has surfaces to reduce the overall interaction with reactive samples. The inner surface walls of the ionization chamber or the ionization chamber may be formed from an inert super alloy. For instance, Inconel™ 625, Inconel™ 601 or Hastelloy® may comprise the ionization chamber or the surface walls of the ionization chamber. The invention also includes a method for reducing the interaction of a reactive analyte with an ion source.

Abstract: A method of covertly tagging an object for later tracking includes providing a material capable of at least one of being applied to the object and being included in the object, which material includes deuterium; and performing at least one of applying the material to the object and including the material in the object in a manner in which in the appearance of the object is not changed, to the naked eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and tool to perform an analysis of CRUD on a nuclear fuel rod. The method recites providing a nuclear fuel rod with a layer of CRUD on an exterior of the fuel rod, scraping the CRUD from the fuel rod with a CRUD scraping tool and collecting CRUD flakes from the CRUD scraping tool. The method also provides for sorting the CRUD flakes into particle fractions, and analyzing the CRUD with a scanning electron microscope, wherein the scraping tool has a blade with a rigidity that is matched to an anticipated CRUD deposit shear strength.

Abstract: Various systems configured to reduce distortion of a resist during a metrology process are provided. The systems include an electron beam metrology tool configured to measure one or more characteristics of one or more resist features formed on a specimen. The electron beam metrology tool may be configured as a scanning electron microscope. The resist may be designed for exposure at a wavelength of about 193 nm. One system includes a cooling subsystem configured to alter a temperature of the specimen during measurements by the tool such that the resist feature(s) are not substantially distorted during the measurements. Another system includes a drying subsystem that is configured to reduce moisture proximate the specimen during measurements by the electron beam metrology tool such that the resist feature(s) are not substantially distorted during the measurements. An additional system may include both the cooling subsystem and the drying subsystem.

Abstract: An item that might be lost is provided with a badge featuring an array of glass beads. In seeking to retrieve such a lost item, an atmospheric-penetrating beam of laser is directed into the search area, and the signals from a reflectometer are monitored. The item having the badge of the array of glass beads is more easily retrievable when lost or mislaid than an item without such badge.

Abstract: An infrared sensor is composed of an optical filter plate, an infrared-detecting plate and a supporting member positioned between both plates. A detecting element for detecting infrared rays passing through the optical filter plate is formed on a front surface of the infrared-detecting plate facing the optical filter plate. The supporting member is positioned to surround the detector element on the infrared-detecting plate to firmly connect both plates and to form a predetermined gap between both plates. The supporting member may be composed of a number of discrete dots positioned to surround the detector element or of a continuous ring surrounding the detector element.

Abstract: A fixed visible input and tunable visible input are directed to a location on a surface to be interrogated. The fixed visible input and the tunable visible inputs are aligned so that their surface locations of optical illumination overlap on the interrogated location. An output wavelength discriminator receives the reflected difference-frequency generated on the interrogated location. The output wavelength discriminator is substantially non-transmissive at frequencies higher than the difference-frequency, but substantially transmissive at the difference-frequency of the fixed visible input and the tunable visible input. Signal collection optics receives an output of the output wavelength discriminator and directs the propagation of the output thereof so that a collected optical light signal is formed after propagation through the signal collection optics. The collected optical light signal is converted to an electronic signal.

Abstract: A security detection system includes a radiation source configured to generate and direct terahertz radiation onto an object. Further, the system also includes a detector module configured to detect and process radiation from the object, the detector module comprising a parallel arrangement of at least two low noise amplifiers, each operable in a respective frequency band.

Abstract: A method of generating a filter (40) for a nuclear medicine system (20) where the filter selects valid detected radiation events for image processing. A dataset (60) is provided that is indicative of a plurality of emitted radiation events occurring over a predetermined period of time. Signals representative of the response of a detector to the dataset of the plurality of emitted radiation events are generated. A pattern is determined (66) based on a correlation of a plurality of signals resulting from the response of the detector to a plurality of single radiation events in the dataset. A filter is generated (74) based on the correlation pattern. A method and apparatus of using the generated filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flat panel x-ray imager exhibiting reduced ghosting effects and overvoltage protection by appropriate leakage current characteristics of the thin-film transistor array. A top electrode of a suitable material is directly on an amorphous selenium-based charge generator layer allowing charge transport across the layer, thereby reducing ghosting. Alternatively, a non-insulating organic layer may be between the top electrode and the charge generating layer. The thin-film transistors have leakage current that rises relatively slowly with voltage across the transistor within a range that matches exposure through an object being imaged but rises at a sufficiently higher rate within a higher range to provide protection even when a corresponding region of the charge generator layer receives greater amounts of x-rays. A voltage is applied to the top electrode. This voltage may be within the range of 500 V to 2,000 V.

Abstract: The invention consists in structuring scintillation radiation detectors as Photonic Bandgap Crystals or 3D layers of thin filaments, thus enabling extremely high spatial resolutions and achieving virtual voxellation of the radiation detector without physical separating walls. The ability to precisely measure the recoil electron track in a Compton camera enables to assess the directions of the gamma rays hitting the detector and consequently dispensing with collimators that strongly reduce the intensity of radiation detected by gamma cameras. The invention enables great enhancements of the capabilities of gamma cameras, SPECT, PET, CT and DR machines as well as their use in Homeland Security applications. Methods of fabrication of such radiation detectors are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting a specimen are provided. One method includes directing ultraviolet light to a specimen. The method also includes detecting light scattered from the specimen having a selected wavelength range. In addition, the method includes detecting features, defects, or light scattering properties of the specimen using signals representative of the detected light. One inspection system includes an illumination subsystem configured to direct ultraviolet light to a specimen. The system also includes a channel configured to detect light scattered from the specimen having a selected wavelength range. In addition, the system includes a processor configured to detect features, defects, or light scattering properties of the specimen using signals that are representative of the detected light.

Abstract: A method and device for evaluating a printing medium for use in a printing process, in which a set of spectral data is generated from a sample of the printing medium, and the set of spectral data is analysed. The analysis of the set of spectral data comprises detecting spectral data of the set indicative of features of the printing medium related to performance of that printing medium in the printing process. The performance of the printing medium in the printing process is predicted in response to the detected spectral data of the set indicative of performance-related printing medium features, and the printing medium is accepted or refused for use in the printing process in response to this printing medium performance prediction.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: A specimen enclosure assembly (100) for use in an electron microscope and including a rigid specimen enclosure dish (102) having an aperture (122) and defining an enclosed specimen placement volume (125), an electron beam permeable, fluid impermeable, cover (114) sealing the specimen placement volume (125) at the aperture (122) from a volume outside the enclosure and a pressure controller communicating with the enclosed specimen placement volume (125) and being operative to maintain the enclosed specimen placement volume (125) at a pressure, which exceeds a vapor pressure of a liquid sample (123) in the specimen placement volume (125) and is greater than a pressure of a volume outside the enclosure, whereby a pressure differential across the cover (114) does not exceed a threshold level at which rupture of the cover (114) would occur.

Abstract: A cross-ambiguity function generator (“CAF”) uses properties of quantum mechanics for computation purposes. The CAF has advantages over standard analog or digital CAF function generators, such as improved bandwidth. The CAF may be used for traditional geolocation or RADAR applications.

Abstract: A three-dimensional analyzing device includes a first beam source for generating a first beam, a second beam source for generating a second beam, an optical system for spatially overlapping the first and second beams at least partly and irradiating the beams onto a specimen to three-dimensionally confine a photoactive region in a specimen, and a photo acceptance element for accepting a response light emitted from the photoactive region. Preferably, the device further includes an operation unit for calculating a correlation function of a response light in the time domain based on the output of the photo acceptance element to analyze a desired physical value of the specimen.

Abstract: A storage phosphor plate for the storage of X-ray information, including a storage phosphor layer which stores the X-ray information and can be stimulated by stimulation light into emitting emission light, and a support layer on which the storage phosphor layer is located, the support layer being partially transparent for the stimulation light, and having a thickness d and an absorption coefficient for the stimulation light, where (k times d)?0.2.

Abstract: Phosphor-containing panels or screens have improved resistance to yellowing and image defects by the incorporation of a primary or secondary amine having a pKa of 8.5 or more and a molecular weight of less than 10,000 daltons into the phosphor layer or an overcoat layer. A peroxide scavenger can also be present to further improve stability of the phosphor panel. The phosphors are preferably storage phosphors containing iodine. This phosphor panels can be prepared using non-peroxide-generating organic solvents for further stabilization.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a permanent pattern on a substrate. The method includes the steps of providing an array of photon sources, each of which provides a photon beam, providing an array of focusing elements, each of which focuses an associated photon beam from the array of photon sources onto a substrate, and creating a permanent pattern on a substrate using the array of focusing elements to respectively focus associated photon beams on the substrate.

Abstract: A charge compensation device according to this invention is for suppressing charging of a wafer when the wafer is irradiated with a beam from a beam generation source unit. The charge compensation device comprises at least one first arc chamber having at least one first extraction hole and a second arc chamber having at least one second extraction hole faced on the reciprocal swinging beam of the predetermined scan range. A first arc voltage is applied to the first arc chamber to generate first plasma in the first arc chamber. The generated first plasma is extracted from the first arc chamber and introduced into the second arc chamber. Second plasma is produced in the second arc chamber, and second extracted plasma from the second arc chamber forms a plasma bridge between the second extraction hole and the reciprocal swinging beam.

Abstract: A charged beam exposure apparatus includes: a first shaping aperture provided with a plurality of rectangular openings which are different from each other in at least one of area and shape thereof; a second shaping aperture provided with a pattern having a shape corresponding to that of a pattern to be drawn onto a substrate; a charged beam generator which generates a charged beam to apply the charged beam to the first shaping aperture; a projector which projects the charged beam that has passed through an arbitrary opening of the first shaping aperture onto the second shaping aperture; a deflection unit provided between the charged beam generator and the projector to deflect the charged beam; a deflection controller which controls the deflection unit so that the opening of the first shaping aperture is selected which enables adjustments of a drawing time and a resolution conforming to requirements/specifications of the pattern to be drawn; and a demagnification projector which projects the charged beam that

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette comprises a shell and a single storage phosphor plate. The shell includes first and second opposite open ends. The single storage phosphor plate is housed within the shell and is adapted to be at least partially removable from the shell through the first and second open ends. A radiation image of the elongate object can be read by extracting a first portion of the single plate through one of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the first portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a first partial image, and then extracting a second portion of the single plate through the other of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the second portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a second partial image. The first and second partial images can be combined to form the image of the elongate object.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a casing accommodating therein a heating mechanism for heating the interior of the casing. The heating mechanism has a heating body mounted on a guide plate along which a stimulable phosphor sheet is fed. When supplied with electric current, the heating body is heated to heat the guide plate to a predetermined temperature. An air blower is disposed in confronting relation to the heating body and is energized to circulate heated air inside the casing. A temperature detector detects the atmospheric temperature inside the casing, and when the detected atmospheric temperature becomes higher than a reference temperature preset in a controller, the controller stops supplying electric current to the heating body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test mask structure. The test mask structure of the present invention comprises at least an array pattern region, in a certain proportion to the final product, having a first pattern density according to the certain proportion; and at least one test mask pattern region having a second pattern density. In the test mask structure of the present invention, the required pattern density is obtained by adjusting the area of the array pattern region and the area of the test mask pattern region according to the first pattern density and the second pattern density.

Abstract: An example memory includes an address control portion, a protection film, a property deterioration material layer, data storage areas, and bonding pads. The protection film protects an organic semiconductor layer of a semiconductor circuit and prevents intrusion of moisture or chemical molecules in the air, light, or the like, into the organic semiconductor layer. Deterioration of the organic semiconductor layer is started by breaking the protection film and using a specified means, thus starting operation of the lifetime period. The property deterioration material layer contains a material for deteriorating the property of the organic semiconductor and deterioration of the organic semiconductor layer is started, for example, by diffusing the material into the organic semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor laminate containing a light-emitting layer is etched to reveal a side surface. A reflection surface opposite to the side surface of the semiconductor laminate is provided in one and the same chip as the semiconductor laminate. A groove may be formed in the laminate by a dicing saw, and an outer side surface of the groove may be provided as the reflection surface.

Abstract: A light emitting device has: a light emitting element; a conducting portion to supply power to the light emitting element; an element housing portion that houses the light emitting element therein; and a sealing material that seals the light emitting element housed in the element housing portion. The sealing material contains a transparent resin material and a transparent filler with a thermal expansion coefficient smaller than the transparent resin material, and the transparent filler has a refractive index nearly equal to the transparent resin material.

Abstract: Switching operations, such as those used in memory devices, are enhanced using a semiconductor device having a thyristor adapted to switch between conducting and blocking states and operate at low power. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, thyristor characteristics are managed over a broad temperature range using a control circuit for coupling a signal, such as a DC voltage signal, to a portion of a thyristor for controlling temperature-related operation thereof, e.g., for controlling bipolar gains. In one implementation, a control port adaptively adjusts a signal coupled to the thyristor as a function of temperature, such that at relatively low temperatures unwanted increases in holding current (IH) are prevented. In another implementation, the control port couples the signal at relatively high temperature operation for controlling the forward blocking voltage (VFB) in such a manner that a blocking state of the thyristor is held.

Abstract: A method of forming a relaxed SiGe-on-insulator substrate having enhanced relaxation, significantly lower defect density and improved surface quality is provided. The method includes forming a SiGe alloy layer on a surface of a first single crystal Si layer. The first single crystal Si layer has an interface with an underlying barrier layer that is resistant to Ge diffusion. Next, ions that are capable of forming defects that allow mechanical decoupling at or near said interface are implanted into the structure and thereafter the structure including the implanted ions is subjected to a heating step which permits interdiffusion of Ge throughout the first single crystal Si layer and the SiGe layer to form a substantially relaxed, single crystal and homogeneous SiGe layer atop the barrier layer. SiGe-on-insulator substrates having the improved properties as well as heterostructures containing the same are also provided.