Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate having an electrode layer on the surface and having a porous metal oxide semiconductor film which is formed on the electrode layer and on which a photosensitizer is adsorbed, a substrate having an electrode layer on the surface, both of said substrates being arranged in such a manner that the electrode layer and the electrode layer face each other, and an electrolyte layer provided between the semiconductor film and the electrode layer, wherein the semiconductor film contains an inhibitor of back current, and at least one pair of substrate and electrode layer thereon have transparency. The photovoltaic cell is capable of inhibiting back current and decomposition of a spectrosensitizing dye caused by the ultraviolet rays, has high photoelectric conversion efficiency and is capable of generating high electromotive force.

Abstract: An electric wire with coating of polyvinyl chloride family resin composition is disclosed which has a coating layer containing a polyvinyl chloride family resin composition comprising polyvinyl chloride family resin and one or more compounds selected from calcium soap, zinc soap and hydrotalcite. The polyvinyl chloride composition does not comprise either or both of a lead compound and a ?-diketone compound having a melting point less than 100° C. A plasticizer can be further added to the composition so as to obtain a heat-stable vinyl chloride composition. A cable covered with the polyvinyl chloride family resin composition is also disclosed, including a cable having electric wires coated with the polyvinyl chloride family resin composition.

Abstract: An exemplary subterranean hub for an outdoor system for distributing electrical power to a plurality of fixtures is provided, the hub having a body, a plurality of electrical connectors disposed on the body and adapted to accept mating connectors from a corresponding fixtures, means for electrically coupling an external power source to the electrical connectors, and a depth reference marker, connected to the body and adapted to provide a visual verification that the hub is buried at a sufficient depth during installation of the hub.

Abstract: A flexible conduit or cable for electrical wiring having at least one break location along the length of the conduit or cable that is visible on an outer surface of the conduit or cable. The break location enables the conduit or cable to be broken. Also provided is a method for producing the flexible conduit or cable, and an apparatus that includes the flexible conduit or cable.

Abstract: To fill a cable connection head with an insulating oil and provide a movable lid member of the oil to ensure a long-term insulating property in the cable connection head and enable long-term continuous use of a measuring device. A cable connection head 18 having a head body 21 comprised of a bottom head body 19 and a top head body 20 connected to a measuring device body 6, having a well logging cable 1 passed through the top head body 30, and having core conductors of sheathed cables 2 connected to a connector 11 fit into the bottom head body 19, wherein the bottom head body 19 is filled with a low viscosity insulating oil 29 with a specific gravity heavier than the borehole fluid, outflow of the low viscosity insulating oil 29 is prevented, and a movable sealing member 30 preventing entry of borehole fluid is provided movably inside the bottom head body 19.

Abstract: A twist-on wire connector having a housing with a spiral tread for engaging and holding electrical wires in an electrical connection and a chamber for carrying a member having a wire passageway so that the electrical wires can be retained within the connector by a wire holder to inhibit strain therein and a method of making an electrical connection that inhibits strain of the wire by inserting a plurality of wires into a spiral thread of a twist-on wire connector, rotating the plurality of wires to bring the electrical wires into electrical connection with each other and squeezing a member around the plurality of wires to bring the member into frictional contact along a portion of the plurality of wires to axially restrain the plurality of wires and thereby inhibit strain on the plurality of wires held in the electrical connector.

Abstract: A cable, in particular an audio cable, has an inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric and a conductive layer surrounding the dielectric. A separating layer is inserted between the dielectric and the conductive layer.

Abstract: A wire for use in medical applications. The wire is formed by forming a bundle from a plurality of drawn filled tubing strands and positioning the bundle within an outer tubing. The tubing and strands are then drawn down to a predetermined diameter to form a wire for use in the medical devices. The wire may be covered with an insulating material.

Abstract: Provided is a grommet assembly including an elastic grommet main body and hard inner members to be fitted into the collar part of the grommet main body where openings for inserting electric wires are notched in part of the peripheral wall of the inner member. A lid wall is closed on an opening by way of a locking unit. A cover for protecting electric wires is integrally arranged on the inner member. The outer peripheral surface of the collar part is clamped between a door panel and a door trim. The cover is locked to the door trim by way of the locking unit. An elastic pressing member is arranged on the door trim in order to engage the pressing member with the inside of the collar part of the grommet main body thus clamping the collar part between itself and the door trim.

Abstract: A circuit board and a circuit apparatus using the same are provided, which have an improved heat radiation capability near through holes piercing through its metal substrate so as to address a requirement as to heat radiation capability. The circuit apparatus has the circuit board in which a metal substrate having pierced holes is formed as a core member. Protrusions are formed at the top ends of the pierced holes, and round corners are formed at the bottom ends of the same. Insulating layers are formed on both sides of the metal substrate, and wiring pattern layers are formed on the respective insulating layers. The insulator formed on one side of the metal substrate and the insulator formed on the other side of the metal substrate are extended to inside the pierced holes. The joining surface between the extended portions is shifted off the center position of the metal substrate in the thickness direction, toward the same side as where the protrusions are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring substrate, which can preserve the dimensional stability of a conductor pattern at a fine pitch, solve the restriction on a process from the viewpoint of material selection, and further reduce a manufacturing cost, and a multilayer wiring substrate. A second wiring substrate formed on a supporting sheet made of metal and an adhesive layer are partially stacked on a predetermined region of a first wiring substrate by using the supporting sheet. After the lamination of the second wiring substrate, the supporting sheet is finally etched and removed. The second wiring substrate is stacked only on the portion required to be multilayered on the first wiring substrate to thereby reduce the amount of the construction material of the second wiring substrate.

Abstract: An electronic component embedded substrate and a method for manufacturing the substrate are disclosed. The electronic component embedded substrate includes a substrate main body and an electronic component embedded in the substrate main body. The center plane of the electronic component in the thickness direction thereof and the center plane of the substrate main body in the thickness direction thereof generally match each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a semiconductor device and the semiconductor device used in a semiconductor package are disclosed. The semiconductor device may include a main body having one or more supporting layers, a plurality of metal wires that may be formed as a plurality of inner connection pads and a plurality of outer connection pads, an outermost resin layer pattern formed on the surface of the main body, and including a plurality of openings exposing the plurality of outer connection pads, and a metal oxide layer disposed between the plurality of metal wires and the outermost resin layer pattern. The plurality of inner and outer connection pads may be formed on a surface of the main body.

Abstract: The wiring board comprises a plate-shaped conductive core material 10 with a through-hole 12 formed in, an insulation layer 14 formed on the surface of the conductive core material 10 and on the inside wall of the through-hole 12, a resin 18 buried in the through-hole 12 with the insulation layer 14 formed in, wirings 22a, 22b formed on the upper surface and the undersurface of the conductive core material 10 with the insulation layer 14 formed on, and an wiring 22d formed in the through-hole 20 formed in the resin 18 and electrically connected to the wirings 22a, 22b.

Abstract: A wiring substrate, in which a wiring stacked portion including a conductor layer and a resin layer is stacked on a principal face of a core substrate including a substantially cylindrical through hole conductor in a through hole extending therethrough and a filling material filling a hollow portion of said through hole, comprising: a cover-shaped conductor portion covering an end face of said through hole just above a principal face of said core substrate and connected to said through hole conductor; and a terminal pad conductor provided over a principal face of said wiring stacked portion for disposing connection terminals used for connections with an external device, wherein a connection portion composed of via conductors buried in said resin layer brings said cover-shaped connection portion and said terminal pad conductor into conduction, and said via conductors composing said connection portion are provided not above a center axis of said through hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides busway plug fitting having a housing assembly and a toggle mechanism disposed therein having at least two operatively linked operating handles. A first assembly is disposed on a first side member of the housing assembly and structured to move between a first position and a second position. The second handle assembly is disposed on a second, perpendicular side of the housing assembly and also structured to move between a first position and a second position. The toggle mechanism is coupled to the external coupling construct of the operating device and structured to move between a first position and a second position. The first and second handle assemblies are operatively linked by the toggle mechanism. In this configuration, a user may operate either handle assembly to actuate the operating device disposed with in the busway plug fitting.

Abstract: A rotary circuit breaker door safety interlock for use with a power switch actuated by a rotating shaft installed in a enclosure with a hinged door is disclosed. The door safety rotary circuit breaker interlock functions both to prevent the enclosure door from being opened unless the power switch has first been turned OFF, and to prevent the power switch from being turned ON while the enclosure door is open. The door safety rotary circuit breaker interlock can be intentionally overridden to allow the enclosure door to be opened without turning the power switch OFF, and to allow the power switch to be turned ON while the enclosure door is open. The door safety rotary circuit breaker interlock is simple mechanically, requires no springs or deformable members for its operation, and can be adapted to many mounting variations in enclosures having doors that hinge at the left, right, top, or bottom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a float level switch featuring a housing; an actuator shaft arranged in the housing; and a low force shaft seal assembly arranged between the actuator shaft and the housing, having a combination of disks or seals, one being made of a semi-rigid lubricious material, for maintaining a watertight seal with a substantially reduced rotational force or friction on the actuator shaft than a conventional O-ring.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The MEMS switch includes a substrate; signal lines formed on the substrate; main electrodes spaced apart by a distance and formed over the substrate; an actuating beam installed above the main electrodes at a certain height; a support unit to support the actuating beam; and sub-electrodes formed above the actuating beam at a distance from the actuating beam and facing the corresponding main electrodes. The method includes depositing and patterning a metal layer on a substrate; depositing and patterning a sacrificial layer to form actuator beam support holes and first sub-electrode contact holes; depositing and patterning an actuating beam layer on the sacrificial layer, thereby forming spacers; depositing and patterning second sub-electrode contact holes from another sacrificial layer; depositing and patterning a sub-electrode layer on the sacrificial layer; and removing the two sacrificial layers.

Abstract: A button assembly for selectively actuating a switch. The button assembly (10) includes a button member (16) for being mounted in an opening of a housing. The button member (16) is fabricated of a resilient material and defines an outer surface (38) that can be depressed to bring the button assembly (10) into contact with the switch for purposes of actuating the switch. The button assembly (10) also includes a compression ring (26) for being received in a bore (28) provided in the button member (16) whereby the compression ring (26) compresses the button member against the edges of the housing that define the opening in the housing creating a substantially liquid impervious seal and holding the button assembly (10) in place in the opening.

Abstract: A method for open or closed-loop control of welding tong movement utilizes a welding tong drive having a primary and a secondary drive device. The primary drive device moves two welding tong limbs with welding electrodes toward a welding object from opposite sides. The welding tong limbs press onto the welding object with a predetermined compressive force. During actuation, the secondary drive device varies a spatial orientation of the welding tongs. In order to contact the welding object in a controlled manner, and to reliably acquire any deviations from specified spatial points during contacting, the welding tongs first approach a spatial point relative to the welding object. The welding tong limbs are held in a fixed spatial orientation during the approach. The secondary drive device is actuated until a welding tong limb contacts the welding object. The primary drive device then closes the welding tong limbs.

Abstract: An object is to provide a glow plug in which a gap can be prevented from being generated between a ceramic heater and a cylindrical member even at the time of use in an internal combustion engine, etc. so that electrical conduction of the glow plug can be prevented from being lowered. A glow plug includes: a rod-shaped ceramic heater 2; a rod-shaped center pole 5 extending axially so as to electrically connect to the outside; and a cylindrical member 100 having a front end portion 101 bonded to an outer circumferential surface 2a of a rear end side of the ceramic heater 2, and a rear end portion 102 bonded to an outer circumferential surface of a front end side of the center pole 5, the cylindrical member 100 being made by a metal material for electrically connecting one of a pair of lead portions and the center pole 5 to each other, the glow plug characterized in that the cylindrical member 100 has a Vickers hardness of not lower than 200 HV at 25° C.

Abstract: A control system for an oven includes a first and a second temperature sensor, and a controller. The oven has a first cavity and a second cavity and includes, a first electrical heating element positioned within the first oven cavity, and a second electrical heating element positioned within the second oven cavity. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the first oven cavity, and the second temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the second oven cavity. The controller is operatively coupled to the temperature sensors and the heating elements. The controller is configured to receive signals from the sensors and energize both the first and second heating elements by allowing energy to be supplied to only one of the first and second heating elements at a given time.

Abstract: A thermal processing roller includes a heat transfer medium flowing path therein and heats a member to be processed abutting against a surface of the roller or absorbs heat therefrom by heat transfer fluid flowing through the heat transfer medium flowing path, wherein a sealed chamber extending in a longitudinal direction of the roller and in which heat transfer medium of vapor-liquid two phases is sealed is formed within a thick portion of the roller.

Abstract: A power module to regulate delivery of power to one or more loads is disclosed. The module includes a logic circuit configured to generate one or more control signals indicative of the power level to be applied from an external power supply coupled to the power module to the one or more loads, an electromechanical device configured to electrically connect the external power supply to the one or more loads based on the one or more control signals from the logic circuit, a user-controlled circuit configured to provide a signal indicative of a power level to deliver to the one or more loads, the signal is based on input received from a user-controlled actuator configured to be placed in one of a plurality of positions corresponding to user-provided input, and a housing configured to receive the electromechanical device.

Abstract: An article comprising a graphite part coated with a pyrolytic graphite (pG) for increased mechanical strength of at least 25% over an uncoated graphite part. In connector applications for use in a semiconductor processing assembly such as a heater, the pG coated component is overcoated with at least a protective layer of an electrically insulating material, and wherein part of the pG coated graphite part is exposed (uncoated with the protective layer) for providing electrical connections to the assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductor assembly and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the conductor assembly about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductor assembly when relative motion is produced between the conductor assembly and first magnet assembly. The conductor assembly is adapted to translate transversely into and out of magnetic engagement with the magnet assembly. In one embodiment, the conductor assembly defines a fluid path therein for the transfer of heat from the conductor assembly to a fluid. The magnetic heater is a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the magnet assembly. The heat generated by the magnetic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a fluid.

Abstract: A method for preventing overheating of a microwave oven including a controller for controlling an output level of a magnetron is disclosed. The method includes: a) receiving information of cooking conditions and a cooking start command input by a user, the cooking conditions including an output level of the magnetron for subsequent cooking, b) detecting a pausing period of time from a time of finishing preceding cooking to a time of starting the subsequent cooking if it is determined that the output level of the magnetron is greater than a preset output level thereof, and c) operating the microwave oven at the preset output level after changing the output level to the preset output level according to the detected pausing period. According to this method, components of the microwave oven are effectively prevented from being overheated while maintaining cooking efficiency.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a light beam (e.g., laser beam) without intruding upon the light beam is disclosed. The device comprises a focusing lens which receives scattered light from a reflective or transmitting optical element and directs the scattered light to a photo detector. The photo detector generates one or more electrical signals which are proportional to an intensity distribution of the light beam for analysis by a processor. The analyzed electrical signals are then used to adjust a light beam source accordingly. The device may further comprise a display and printer for visually depicting the light beam characteristics.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a multichannel plate is provided. The method includes providing a N layers, each layer having an array of wells formed therein. The N layers are aligned and stacked. The stack of N layers are sliced along a first and second line of the array of wells. The first line of the array of wells provides a first surface corresponding to a first array of channel openings of the MCP, and the second line of said array of wells provides a second surface corresponding to a second array of channel openings of the MCP. This method provides several functional benefits compared to conventional methods. These include, but are not limited to: the ability to produce well known and well characterized channels; the ability to produce well known and well characterized periods between channels; the ability to produce channels having any desired secondary electron emission enabling material therein; the ability to fabricate the substrate and/or final MCP of silicon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a pixel gray scale value image, particularly for a multi-dimensional image system. According to said method a first modulation signal (M1) which is emitted at the emitting end and is reflected on an object that is to be recorded is correlated with a second modulation signal (M2) and is recorded at the receiving end based on at least two correlation signals (Ua, Ub or Ia, Ib) that are proportional to the respective received first modulation signal (M1). One of said modulation signals (M1, M2) is phase shifted in several phase steps (?k) at the emitting or receiving end and a differential signal (D) is determined for each phase step (?k) based on the correlation signals (Ua, Ub or Ia, Ib,) and a pixel gray scale value (PGray) is determined based on said difference signal (D) independently of interfering signals.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of easily acquiring original data includes an image data storage unit adapted to store data contained in an image, an image reading unit adapted to convert the contents of a paper document into an image by photoelectric conversion, a region specifying unit adapted to partially or entirely specify the read image, an image compression unit adapted to compress the read image to generate compressed data, an image data search unit adapted to search the storage unit for image data similar to the specific region, and an information adding unit adapted to add, to the compressed data, a search result corresponding to the specific region as related image information.

Abstract: A system for performing short wavelength imaging with a broadband illumination source includes an image processor that receives signals from a color image sensor. The image processor reduces the contribution of red illumination light to an image by computing blue, green, and blue-green (cyan) color components of display pixels from the signals received from the image sensor. The blue, green, and cyan color component values are coupled to inputs of a color monitor for display to produce a false color image of the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for acquisition and conditioning of a signal received from a light sensor generating an input signal in proportion to a sensed amount of light, the system utilizing an operational amplifier with first and second feedback loops to render the output signal of a control circuit, part of the second feedback loop, in proportional relationship to the input signal across the range of output signals from the light sensor.

Abstract: A digital low-light viewing device comprises a housing having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end defining an optical input aperture and the second end defining an optical output aperture; an infra-red camera assembly responsive to low intensity light and infra red energy received via the input aperture for generating an output image; a signal processor coupled to the camera assembly for processing the output image; a display assembly coupled to the camera assembly for displaying the processed image; a zoom lens assembly coupled to the camera assembly for electronically variably focusing the output image; and control electronics responsive to a control mechanism disposed on a surface of the housing for controlling operating functions of the low-light viewing device, the control mechanism navigable via a user's digit for controlling the operating functions.

Abstract: A pixel cell allows both correlated double sampling (CDS) and automatic light control (ALC) operations through a non-destructive, parallel readout. An image sensor may include an array of pixel cells, some or all of which include a photosensor with two readout circuits attached; peripheral circuitry can sample charges generated from the photosensor through one readout circuit, then perform array readout through the other. One readout circuit connected to the photosensor provides a non-destructive readout of the generated charge. The other readout circuit can, for example, be a multiple-transistor circuit that transfers charge from the photosensor to a floating diffusion node for readout. The image sensor's readout circuitry may thus monitor the light reaching the photosensor of the cell to determine when to read out signals from the entire array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile sensor capable of obtaining information for a plurality of degrees of freedom at each point on a surface. An optical tactile sensor is provided with a sensing part and a photographing device, the sensing part comprising a transparent elastic body and a plurality of groups of markers provided inside the elastic body, each marker group being made up of a number of colored markers, with markers making up different marker groups having different colors for each group. The elastic body has an arbitrary curved surface. The behavior of the colored markers when an object touches the curved surface of the elastic body is obtained as image information of markers by photographing device. The sensor further comprises a force vector distribution reconstructing device for reconstructing forces applied to said surface from information as to the behavior of markers that is obtained from said image information of markers.

Abstract: A metal nanowire array acts as a band pass filter in the visible to IR range. The filter may be used in a monochromator, spectrometer, color camera, analyte detector or other devices.

Abstract: An optical encoder comprises a sensor head including a light source and a photodetector and a scale that moves relative to the sensor head. The light emitted from the light source is reflected, transmitted or diffracted by the scale, and the reflected, transmitted or diffracted light is received by the photodetector to allow the sensor head to output a displacement signal. The sensor head includes a wiring substrate having electrodes formed thereon and on which the light source and photodetector are disposed at predetermined positions and a light transmitting material that covers the wiring substrate, light source, and photodetector. A side plane obtained by cutting the wiring substrate and light transmitting material at the same time in the direction substantially perpendicular to the light receiving surface of the photodetector serves as a reference position related to disposition of the components to be mounted on the wiring substrate.

Abstract: In a spread illuminating apparatus, at least one point light source is disposed at an end wall of an outer frame member, and a subassembly is constituted by a light conductor plate and an inner frame member via first joint means. The subassembly has interface surfaces to make contact with the end wall of the outer frame member, a light inlet face of the light conductor plate is positioned to recede from the interface surface by a predetermined dimension, the first joint means each includes a elastic member to press the light conductor plate toward the interface surfaces, and the subassembly is jointed to the outer frame member via second joint means each constituted by an elastic member to press the interface surfaces toward the end wall of the outer frame member.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system suitable for mounting a plurality of accessories at a windshield portion within the interior cabin of a vehicle includes a housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, and at least two accessories housed by said housing. One of the accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera, which views through the windshield of the vehicle when said housing is mounted to said receiving structure. The other of the accessories may be selected from the group consisting of: (a) a vehicle altitude sensor, (b) a vehicle incline sensor, (c) a headlamp sensor, (d) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter, (e) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, (f) an antenna, (g) a rain sensor, (h) a microphone, and (i) a compass sensor.

Abstract: A water phantom is described, having a detector that is positionable in a container filled with water for measuring an ionizing radiation. The water phantom has at least one sensor for ascertaining an orientation of a positioning device, relative to a water surface. The orientation determination is based either on distances relative to the water surface that are measured by spacing sensors or, on inclinations, each measured by a gravity-sensitive inclination sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention include a branched radio frequency multipole configured to act, for example, as an ion guide. The branched radio frequency multipole comprises multiple ion channels through which ions can be alternatively directed. The branched radio frequency multipole is configured to control which of the multiple ion channels ions are directed, through the application of appropriate potentials. Thus, ions can alternatively be directed down different ion channels without the use of a mechanical valve.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a medical imaging system having stable camera optics is provided that includes: a photon emitting source that emits photons towards a plurality of photon receivers; an optical interface between said photon emitting source and said plurality of photon receivers including an optical coupling gel that is prone to discoloration from local contaminants and an optical coating adjacent said optical coupling gel; and said optical coating having means for avoiding discoloration of said optical coupling gel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, photoelectron spectroscopy is used to determine the thickness of one or more layers in a single or multi-layer structure on a substrate. The thickness may be determined by measuring the intensities of two photoelectron species or other atom-specific characteristic electron species emitted by the structure when bombarded with photons. A predictive intensity function that is dependent on the thickness of a layer is determined for each photoelectron species. A ratio of two predictive intensity functions is formulated, and the ratio is iterated to determine the thickness of a layer of the structure. According to one embodiment, two photoelectron species may be measured from a single layer to determine a thickness of that layer. According to another embodiment, two photoelectron species from different layers or from a substrate may be measured to determine a thickness of a layer.

Abstract: An electron beam system or a method for manufacturing a device using the electron beam system in which an electron beam can be irradiated at a high current density and a ratio of transmittance of a secondary electron beam of an image projecting optical system can be improved and which can be compact in size. The surface of the sample S is divided into plural stripe regions which in turn are divided into rectangle-shaped main fields. The main field is further divided into plural square-shaped subfields. The irradiation with the electron beams and the formation of a two-dimensional image are repeated in a unit of the subfields. A magnetic gap formed by the inner and outer magnetic poles of the objective lens is formed on the side of the sample, and an outer side surface and an inner side surface of each of the inner magnetic pole and the outer magnetic pole, respectively, forming the magnetic gap have each part of a conical shape with a convex having an angle of 45° or greater with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method to characterize the power transfer of a nuclear component is provided including the steps of obtaining a sample of a deposit layer on a side of a nuclear component, obtaining a scanning electron microscope image of an outside surface of the sample, obtaining a scanning electron microscope image of an inside surface of the sample, analyzing the scanning electron microscope images of the outside and inside surfaces of the sample for a presence of capillaries and steam chimneys, and calculating the power transfer of the component based on a number of steam chimneys in the deposit layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automated system capable of producing high quality real-time S-parameter images. It is a useful and versatile tool in Material Science and Solid State Technology for determining the location of subsurface defect types and concentrations in bulk-materials as well as thin-films. The system is also useful in locating top surface metallizations and structures in solid state devices. This imaging system operates by scanning the sample surface with either a small positron source (22Na) or a focused positron beam. The system also possesses another two major parts, namely electronic instrumentation and stand-alone imaging software. In the system, the processing time and use of system resources are constantly monitored and optimized for producing high resolution S-parameter image of the sample in real time with a general purpose personal computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electron beam inspection with projection electron microscopy, is constructed so as to allow correction of changes in focus offsets due to changes in the electrically charged state particularly during inspection. The apparatus includes: a focus measure sensor unit; a focus measure calculation unit which calculates focus measure from the multiple image signals converted by the focus measure sensor unit; a focus position calculation unit which calculates the height of a confocal plane conjugate to the plane of convergence of a planar electron beam by an objective lens, on the basis of the calculated focus measure, and then calculates the focus position of the objective lens on the basis of the calculated height of the confocal plane; and a focus position correction unit which corrects the focus position of the objective lens according to the calculated focus position of the objective lens.