Abstract: A method based on spectral subtractions of normalized time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TRLIF) spectra produces multiple fingerprints of petroleum oils simultaneously. The method utilizes the simultaneous excitation of the TRLIF spectra of six oil samples using synchronized optical shutters. Five of the samples are standard oil samples while the sixth is the targeted sample. Instead of one fingerprint for the targeted sample, the technique produces multiple fingerprints representing the spectral subtractions between the normalized TRLIF spectra of the target sample and those of each of the standard oil samples. The technique provides fingerprints of higher distinguishing ability than a prior method, allowing it to discriminate between closely similar petroleum oils even under weathered conditions. The technique requires no sample preparation and can be applied remotely. It can also identify the original grade of the petroleum oils from their weathered remains.

Abstract: A photo-stimulable phosphor imaging plate includes a substrate layer for providing structural support. A photo-stimulable layer is provided over the substrate layer. The photo-stimulable layer is effective to carry a latent x-ray image. A thick protective layer of a thickness and rigidity effective to protect the photo-stimulable layer from physical damage when being handled is provided over the photo-stimulable layer. The thick protective layer may further be variously transparent, reflecting, or absorbent, at different wavelengths, so to provide a degree of protection against fading of the latent image caused by inadvertent exposure to ambient light.

Abstract: A dual beam system includes an ion beam system and a scanning electron microscope with a magnetic objective lens. The ion beam system is adapted to operate optimally in the presence of the magnetic field from the SEM objective lens, so that the objective lens is not turned off during operation of the ion beam. An optional secondary particle detector and an optional charge neutralization flood gun are adapted to operate in the presence of the magnetic field. The magnetic objective lens is designed to have a constant heat signature, regardless of the strength of magnetic field being produced, so that the system does not need time to stabilize when the magnetic field is changed.

Abstract: A detector for use with a high pressure SEM, such as an ESEM® environmental SEM from FEI Company, extends the effective detection space above the PLA, thereby increasing secondary signal amplification without increasing working distance or pressure. Embodiments can therefore provide improved resolution and can operate at lower gas pressures.

Abstract: An ion implantation system that optimizes productivity that includes an ion generator configured to implant ions into a workpiece by scanning the ions along an axis in a first direction, a movable stage configured to move the workpiece in a second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction, an ion detection component configured to measure ion dosage at approximately an outer edge of the workpiece, a first direction driver that receives commands from the controller to move in a fast scan speed on wafer or a fast scan speed off wafer and a second direction driver that receives commands from the controller to move the workpiece movable stage in a slow scan speed

Abstract: A method of processing a polycrystalline film on a substrate includes generating laser pulses, directing the laser pulses through a mask to generate patterned laser beams, each having a length l?, a width w?, and a spacing between adjacent beams d?; irradiating a region of the film with the patterned beams, said beams having an intensity sufficient to melt and to induce crystallization of the irradiated portion of the film, wherein the film region is irradiated n times; and after irradiation of each film portion, translating the film and/or the mask, in the x- and y-directions. The distance of translation in the y-direction is about l?/n-?, where ? is a value selected to overlap the beamlets from one irradiation step to the next. The distance of translation in the x-direction is selected such that the film is moved a distance of about ?? after n irradiations, where ??=w?+d?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvement comprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, such as a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multiple LEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths are controlled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in an arbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. It can be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as a garment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises at least one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes the chamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is under independent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

Abstract: An extreme ultra violet light source apparatus in which both a mechanism of supplying a droplet target to a laser application position at a high speed and a mechanism of trapping charged particles generated from plasma are managed without disturbing a track of the target. The apparatus includes: a target nozzle that injects a target material toward a plasma generation point; an electric charge supply unit that charges the injected target material; an acceleration unit that accelerates the charged target material; a laser oscillator that applies a laser beam to the target material at the plasma generation point to generate plasma; and electromagnets that form a magnetic field at the plasma generation point such that the magnetic field has substantially straight lines of magnetic flux in substantially parallel with a traveling direction of the target material in the track of the target material.

Abstract: A UV illumination source interrupt may prevents emission of UV illumination from the UV illumination source in a mail processing system based on a detected presence of a mailpiece near a window at which the mailpiece may be illuminated with UV light. The UV source may also be controlled based on detected movement associated with a UV shield which may indicate potential exposure of an operator to UV light.

Abstract: In a method of reading a radiation image, stored in a CsBr:Eu type binderless needle-shaped photostimulable or storage phosphor screen after X-ray exposure of said screen, said method comprises the steps of: (1) erasing thermally stimulable energy by exposing said screen to infrared radiation in the wavelength range from 1000 nm to 1550 nm; (2) stimulating said phosphor screen by means of stimulating radiation in the range from 550 to 850 nm; (3) detecting light emitted by the phosphor screen upon stimulation and converting the detected light into a signal representation of said radiation image; (4) erasing said phosphor screen by exposing it to erasing light in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 1500 nm.

Abstract: A valve unit is connected to a fixed member and an external member. The valve unit includes an actuator to actuate a valve member for communicating and blocking a fluid passage. The valve unit includes a housing defining a chamber therein for absorbing variation in pressure. A mount member secures the housing to the external member. A protruding portion is provided at a location other than a location of the mount member. The protruding portion outwardly extends, thereby being inserted into an insertion hole of the fixed member. A bias member is provided to a substantially annular groove in an outer periphery of the protruding portion. An eccentrically positioning unit positions a bottom surface of the substantially annular groove eccentrically with respect to the insertion hole to bias the bias member to an inner periphery defining the insertion hole.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a flow control valve including a valve shaft, an electrical actuator comprising an actuator output shaft, and a torsion spring coupling the valve shaft and the actuator output shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is described in which a rotor comprising permanent magnet means is rotatable in a stator which is magnetisable by causing an electric current to flow through at least one winding associated with the stator. The rotor has at least two stable rest positions, each defined by spring and/or magnetic forces acting on the rotor. Spring means stores energy during part of the movement of the rotor and provides kinetic energy for accelerating the rotor during subsequent movement thereof away from rest in one position towards another. A magnetic torque is exerted on the rotor when a current flows in said at least one winding which is sufficient to overcome the force(s) holding the rotor in that rest position, to cause the rotor to rotate in a direction from that rest position towards another a rest position. The rotor is connected to a thrust member by a mechanical linkage by which the rotational movement of the rotor is converted into substantially linear movement.

Abstract: A solenoid arrangement includes an electromagnetic valve device having a coil disposed in a casing, and a movable armature slidably received in the coil for allowing the movable armature to be actuated by the coil to move relative to the coil and the casing, the casing includes a sleeve having a bore for slidably and changeably receiving shanks of different lengths which may be attracted to the movable armature for being moved in concert with the movable armature. The electromagnetic valve device may be adjusted to different moving strokes with different shanks for attaching or coupling to different operating facilities that require different moving strokes.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure comprises a flowbody having a first port, a second port, and a flow passage there between. A flange is coupled around the flowbody proximate the first port. A sleeve extends into the flowbody through the first port, and a radial lip is coupled to the sleeve proximate the first port. A retaining ring is coupled to the flange and configured to confine the radial lip between the retaining ring and the support structure to secure the sleeve within the flowbody when the valve assembly is mounted on the support structure.

Abstract: A gate valve for use in a supply conduit for airborne particulate coal being supplied to an input port of a multi-port combustion chamber. The gate valve comprises a circumferential support and a plurality of truncated sector-shaped valve elements which can move radially in and out relative to a common center between maximal blockage and minimal blockage positions. Air jets are provided for cleaning accumulated coal fines from the valve elements.

Abstract: A reduced component wear valve is comprised of a valve body having a passage therethrough and a disc attached to a rotatable shafts. The disc is utilized with a seal forming a gap between the disc and the seal proximate to the rotational axis of the disc. When the disc is in the open position, the seal major axis is greater then the disc diameter and they do not touch. As the disc rotates to near closure, the disc perimeter engages the minor axis of the seal (which is smaller than the disc diameter), and the disc stretches the seal in the minor axis direction thus decreasing the major axis such that the gap is closed. The seal can be preformed in an elliptical shape or it can be formed into an elliptical shape by a retaining mechanism. The seal may be a single-piece or a multi-piece assembly press-fit into the valve body. Zero or light disc to seal contact during the majority of the valve disc rotation minimizes valve seal wear and rotational friction.

Abstract: Micro check valves having a free-floating member for controlling flow of fluid in microfluidic and biomedical applications and methods of fabrication. A micro check valve includes a valve seat, a valve cap that contacts the valve seat and an untethered floating member that can move between the valve seat and the valve cap. Certain micro check valves have zero cracking pressure and no reverse leakage. Certain other valves may be configured to permit flow of fluid within a pressure range. The floating member can be solid or define an orifice, and the valve seat can have one or two levels. Valves can be configured to allow fluid to flow when the floating member is pushed by fluid against the valve cap or against the valve seat. The valve seat may be silicon or another material that is compatible with micromachining processes, and the valve cap and the floating member may be a polymer such as Parylene.

Abstract: A gate valve including a valve housing defining a valve chamber having an opening therethrough along a flow path, a gate support supported within the valve housing between a closed position in the flow path, an open position outside of the flow path, and a service position extending out of the valve housing, and a dual actuator assembly having a service piston assembly having a service piston reciprocable within the valve housing, and an inner piston assembly having an inner piston reciprocable within the service piston assembly. The gate support is configured to reciprocate with the inner piston between the closed and open positions, and with the service piston between the closed and the service positions. A method of using the gate valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid passage is emergently-closed in a short time without causing a water hammer by an extremely simple device and operation. A water hammerless closing device includes an actuator operated valve provided in a fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device for supplying a 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to an actuator operated-type valve, a vibration sensor removably secured to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operated-type valve, and a tuning box receiving a vibration detection signal Pr from the vibration sensor and delivering a control signal Sc to the electro-pneumatic conversion device for controlling the step operating pressure Ps? of the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa so that, with the control signal Sc being regulated, the electro-pneumatic conversion device outputs the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa with the step operating pressure Ps? capable of bringing the vibration detection signal Pr substantially to zero.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a clutch in a motor vehicle transmission. The valve includes a control spool that is movably received in a bore of a valve housing to control hydraulic flow to and from control channels in the housing and that open into the bore. The control spool is provided with a coating that includes at least one metal of the eighth sub-group and with a non-metal of the fifth main group of the periodic table.

Abstract: An aggregate of functional particles includes a plurality of functional particles and an insulating material for covering the plurality of functional particles, and a large number of aggregates of functional particles are filled in a resin. Alternatively, insulating functional particles are added to the plurality of functional particles by an amount less than 50% of that of the functional particles in volume ratio.

Abstract: An antifreeze/coolant composition, comprising a) a base material such as water, alcohol, glycol and glycol ether; b) a fluorine compound and c) an inorganic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for anticorrosion wax. In particular, it relates to a composition for anticorrosion wax comprising naphthene-based mineral oil, wax, anticorrosion additive, alkyd resin, and additives. The additives include an oxidized petroleum wax and a microcrystalline wax which are mixed in an optimum ratio in the wax. The additives may also include calcium petroleum sulfonate and barium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate which enhance anticorrosion. The anticorrosion wax reduces volatile organic components and may be applied to the body of a car.

Abstract: Polishing compositions and methods for removing barrier materials from a substrate surface are provided. In one aspect, a composition is provided for removing at least a barrier material from a substrate surface including an acid based electrolyte system, one or more chelating agents, one or more pH adjusting agents to provide a pH between about 3 and about 11, and a solvent. The composition may be used in an electrochemical mechanical planarization process. The polishing compositions and methods described herein improve the effective removal rate of barrier materials from the substrate surface with a reduction in planarization type defects.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound and tautomeric forms thereof having the formula: wherein Rf1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a straight chain, branched secondary or branched tertiary C1-C20 perfluoroalkyl group optionally containing ether or thioether linkages and C1-C10 perfluoroalicyclic group optionally containing ether or thioether groups; Rf2 is a straight or branched C1-C20 perfluoroalkylene group optionally substituted with ether and thiother linkages; and X is selected from the group consisting of fluorine and The invention also provides perfluoroelastomeric compositions cured with the perfluoroimidoylamidines of the invention as well as combinations of perfluoroimidoylamidines and other curing agents.

Abstract: An aqueous wood preservation composition containing inorganic polymers of one or more of the following metals is disclosed; aluminum (approximately 3.8%-7.0% as Al203), zirconium (approximately 5.25%-9.1% as ZrO2), copper (approximately 0.7%-8.8% as CuO) and a fixing agent such as acetic acid or sodium acetate. The pH is adjusted to be between 2.0-4.0 using an inorganic base such as copper carbonate. The invention includes wood and cellulose fibers treated by the composition of the present invention as well as methods of preserving wood and cellulose fibers using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bleaching composition comprising a [3.3.1] bicyclo compound of formula (I) carrying at least one C8-C22-alkyl chain the bleaching composition substantially devoid of a peroxygen source (I).

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that includes three components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by Formulas (1-1) to (1-6), the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by Formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by Formulas (3-1) and (3-2): wherein, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons; X1 and X2 are fluorine; Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5 and Z6 are a single bond; and ring A, ring B, ring C and ring D are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene.

Abstract: A wavelength-converting member with high emission intensity and that is superior in weather resistance and reliability is obtained. There is provided a phosphor on which a cleaning treatment and/or a coating treatment are/is performed is contained in a glass material having a composition of SiO2: 30 to 50%, Li2O: 0 to 15%, Na2O: 0 to 10%, K2O 0 to 10%, Li2O+Na2O+K2O: 20 to 30%, B2O3:5 to 15%. MgO: 0 to 10%, BaO: 0 to 10% , CaO: 0 to 10%, SrO: 0 to 10%, Al2O3: 0 to 10%, ZnO: 0 to 15%, TiO2: 10 to 20%, Nb2O5: 1 to 5%, La2O3: 0 to 5%, and TiO2+Nb2O5+La2O3: 11 to 20% by mole percentage.

Abstract: The inventive white-light emitting diode is characterised in that it comprises a source emitting radiation whose wavelength band ranges from 370 to 420 nm, a first blue and red-light emitting phosphor of formula Ba3(1-x)Eu3xMg1-yMnySi2O8 (1), wherein 0 < x 0,3 and 0 < y 0,3 and a second green-light emitting phosphor. In another embodiment, said diode comprises the same source and a single phosphor whose chemical composition is Ba3(1-x)Eu3xMg1-yMnySi2O8, wherein 0 < x 0,3 et 0 < y 0,3 and which is embodied in the form of a mixture of at least Ba2SiO4, Ba2MgSi2O7 and Ba3MgSi2O8 phases. The inventive diode can be used for a lighting device.

Abstract: A method of supplying steam and a hydrogen feedstock to a primary process for producing synthesis gas includes, in a reformer of a secondary process which comprises a plurality of catalyst containing reforming passages, combusting a fuel to heat all of the reforming passages, whilst producing a hot synthesis gas by reforming a hydrocarbonaceous gas in the presence of process steam in some of the catalyst containing reforming passages only. The hot synthesis gas is cooled to produce steam which is supplied to the primary process. The cooled synthesis gas is treated to produce a hydrogen feedstock which is supplied to the primary process. The reforming passages not producing hot synthesis gas are cooled by passing a cooling medium through them and the hot synthesis gas exiting some of the reforming passages is separated from the cooling medium exiting other reforming passages.

Abstract: A process to prepare a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide comprises performing a partial oxidation on a methane comprising feed using a multi-orifice burner provided with an arrangement of separate passages, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon having an elevated temperature flows through a passage of the burner, an oxidizer gas flows through a separate passage of the burner and wherein the passage for gaseous hydrocarbon feed and the passage for oxidizer gas are separated by a passage through which a secondary gas flows, wherein the secondary gas comprises hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: There is provided a neutron shielding material which has heat resistance and has ensured neutron shielding performance even in a high-temperature environment during storage of a spent nuclear fuel for high burnup. A neutron shielding material having improved heat resistance and ensured neutron shielding performance due to the absence of an amine curing agent is provided by a neutron shielding material composition comprising a polymerization initiator, a polymerization component, a density increasing agent and a boron compound. As the polymerization component of the present invention, an epoxy component and an oxetane component are particularly preferably used.

Abstract: A conductive composition and applications thereof are provided. The conductive composition comprises metal powder and glass powder. The diameter of metal powder ranges from 1 ?m to 3 ?m. The diameter of glass powder ranges from 0.5 ?m to 1 ?m. Weight percentage of the metal powder is from 60% to 98%. The conductive composition could be applied to manufacture the electrodes of a flat lamp.

Abstract: A method of creating solvent extraction reagent formulations that have high conductivity by combining (a) phenolic oxime extraction reagent(s) or other extraction reagent(s) in the organic phase of a solvent extraction circuit of a metal recovery operation, comprising combining the phenolic oxime extraction reagent(s) or other reagent(s) with one or more ketone, nitrile and/or amide compounds, or mixtures thereof, to create an extraction reagent formulation with a conductivity of at least 4,000 pS/m, measured according to the provisions of BS 5958 Part I, as well as a method of creating an organic phase that has a high conductivity, preferably a conductivity of at least 250 pS/m, comprising adding to that organic phase in an extraction circuit a phenolic oxime extraction reagent formulation with one or more ketoxime, aldoxime, mixtures thereof, or one or more other extraction reagents, and one or more ketone, nitrile, or amide compounds, or mixture thereof, and novel ketone, nitrile and amide compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to antistatic and electrically conductive polyurethanes containing conductive carbon blacks and carbon fibers, and the use thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a method for a silver powder capable of decreasing the viscosity of a photosensitive paste using the silver powder and improving the film state, sensitivity and linearity of the paste even if the particle diameter of the silver powder is small. The surface of a silver powder produced by a wet reducing method is smoothed by a surface smoothing process for mechanically causing particles of the silver powder to collide with each other, and thereafter, silver agglomerates are removed by classification. The surface smoothing process is carried out by putting a dried silver powder into an apparatus, which is capable of mechanically fluidizing particles, e.g., a mixer or mill such as a cylindrical high-speed mixer, for mechanically causing the particles to collide with each other.

Abstract: The glass ceramic plate for a cooking apparatus is transparent to visible light and IR radiation and has a noble metal film on its underside. The noble metal film is composed of an alloy of gold, platinum and/or palladium, which imparts a reflective property to it. It contains from 0 to 5 percent by weight, in relation to a total metal content, of silver, copper, silicon, bismuth and other metals that are not noble metals. The glass ceramic plate coated with the noble metal film has a spectral transmission of 0 to 12% in the infrared region of the spectrum. When a decoration consisting of a grid of unsymmetrically distributed elements is provided on the topside of the glass ceramic plate, defects in the glass ceramic material can be concealed. The invention also includes a method of coating.

Abstract: A binary optical compound formed from a preparation of proteorhodopsin, is provided. The preparation is prepared by dissolving proteorhodopsin in distilled water, where the pH is adjusted to be above 11 either by using sodium hydroxide or an appropriate buffer. The preparation is then illuminated with either white light sources, lasers, or irradiation provided from light-emitting diodes. The necessary duration is intensity dependent, varying from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending upon the source and actinic wavelength. The resulting compound has a long lifespan and may be efficiently transitioned between states.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a crystallized rare-earth thin films on a glass or a silicon substrate. This manufacturing method of a crystallized metal oxide thin film includes a step of retaining an metal organic thin film or a metal oxide film containing at least one type of rare-earth metal element selected from a group comprised of Y, Dy, Sm, Gd, Ho, Eu, Tm, Tb, Er, Ce, Pr, Yb, La, Nd and Lu formed on a substrate at a temperature of 250 to 600° C., and a step of crystallizing the organic metal thin film or the metal oxide film while irradiating ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of 200 nm or less.

Abstract: Fire retardant compositions containing an extract of African Oil Palm fruit, methods of preparing such compositions, and their use in imparting fire resistance to objects are disclosed.

Abstract: The belt molding removal tool is a tool for removal of an automotive belt molding, window molding, and the like from a body panel and includes a hook formed on a free end of a rigid and sturdy shank. The opposite end of the shank has a substantially cylindrical palm grip provided for gripping the belt molding removal tool. The shank may be a straight shank, or may have complementary bends formed therein. The hook is formed from a relatively flat blade in order to provide sufficient purchase for pulling the molding from retainer clips while preventing damage to the molding.

Abstract: Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements designed for the two-way pre-tensioning of concrete or mortar plates, or the like, comprising a molding assembly made up of a flat molding plate (3) delimited on the perimeter by adjustably positioning side walls (4). The assembly rests on an oversized support platform (1)on which the molding assembly is surrounded by a perimeter area (10) of support platform (1) proper, in which perimeter area (10) hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are provided, which are integral to support platform (1) and are arranged in juxtaposition forming opposite facing pairs according to rectilinear alignments forming a grid. Said hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are all connected together serially forming a hydraulic circuit (8) which, in turn, is connected to a hydraulic pressure connection point (9).

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic dumper including an receiving space 15 formed between the rod guide 4 of the cylinder 1 and the insert metal 5 and for temporarily retaining the working fluid leaked out from the oil chamber R1 through the sliding gap of the rod 3, a communicating path 4d for communicating the reservoir R and the receiving space 15, and a check valve 9 for allowing the flow of the working fluid only from the receiving space 15 to the reservoir R, wherein, either one of the lip part 9a of the check valve or the seat surface 4c provided on the rod guide 4 is formed with a sealing projected part 10, 11 protruding from the mutual contact surface.

Abstract: An embodiment is a lightweight and portable inflatable fencing system that is inflated by forced air through its adjustable air tube connectivity to an inflatable amusement by the use of a plurality of intertwined and adjustable vinyl extensions. A further embodiment is a finished fence that is relatively rectangular in shape; combining top and bottom rails with a number of vertical stiles, with lightweight infill panels; and is one piece in construction. When it is not required, the connectors on the amusement can be concealed within the inflatable and sealed air tight and both the fence and enclosure can be packed away without any further dismantling.

Abstract: A post for mounting to the ground and for supporting elongate flexible filaments transverse to the post. The hollow member has opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted for mounting to the ground. Stiffeners are mounted within the hollow post so as to extend between the first and second ends. First and second oppositely disposed elongate raised flanges are mounted on the post so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The flanges extend between the first and second ends. The raised flanges each have a longitudinally spaced apart array of filament receiving cavities. Each cavity is an aperture through a corresponding raised flange and has an opening providing access into the aperture from a distal edge of the corresponding raised flange for receiving therethrough the filament for mounting the filament into the aperture. Each opening has a constriction having an opening dimension which is substantially equivalent to a diameter of the filament.

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory array formed of one or more two-dimensional memory arrays of one-time programmable memory elements arranged in horizontal layers and stacked vertically upon one another; and a two-dimensional memory array of reprogrammable phase change memory elements stacked on the one or more two-dimensional memory arrays as the top layer of the three-dimensional memory array.

Abstract: A germanium (Ge) compound is provided. The Ge compound has a chemical formula GeR1xR2y. “R1” is an alkyl group, and “R2” is one of hydrogen, amino group, allyl group and vinyl group. “x” is greater than zero and less than 4, and the sum of “x” and “y” is equal to 4. Methods of forming the Ge compound, methods of fabricating a phase change memory device using the Ge compound, and phase change memory devices fabricated using the Ge compound are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a composite switching material. The composite switching material includes an electrically switchable component and a non-switchable component. In one embodiment, the composite switching material includes a heterogeneous mixture of at least one chalcogenide material and at least one dielectric material. The composite switching material is disposed between two electrodes and the switchable component is transformable from a resistive state to a conductive state upon application of a voltage between the two electrodes, without changing phase.