Abstract: A method and system for providing a personalized entertainment experience that is customized for each user. The history of user control actions (such as “forward” and “back”) associated with each played composition are captured as positive or negative user feedback about each composition. A customized sequence of compositions may be automatically generated for each user by utilizing the prior history of user control actions. The personalized sequence automatically adapts to changing user feedback over time. The user's collection of compositions is automatically integrated with the generated customized sequence. Additional compositions and samples, that are new to a user, may be automatically chosen based on the prior user feedback history and may be added to the user's collection when positive user feedback occurs during playback.

Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein a server based music creator is accessible by a client for the creation of composite audio files. The method and system receives, from a remote client computer via a network connection, a play sequence for playing audio segments, wherein a play sequence identifies one or more audio segments and associates at least one temporal location in a playback timeline with each audio segment. A composite audio file including each audio segment identified in the play sequence is generated, such that the composite audio file when played plays each audio segment identified by the play sequence at each audio segment's associated temporal location(s). The composite audio file is then transmitted to the client computer. In another non-limiting example, the play sequence includes one or more track sequences.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for automatically converting audio input signal data into musical score representation data. Embodiments of the invention identify a change in frequency information from the audio signal that exceeds a first threshold value; identify a change in amplitude information from the audio signal that exceeds a second threshold value; and generate a note onset event, each note onset event representing a time location in the audio signal of at least one of an identified change in the frequency information that exceeds the first threshold value or an identified change in the amplitude information that exceeds the second threshold value. The generation of note onset events and other information from the audio input signal may be used to extract note pitch, note value, tempo, meter, key, instrumentation, and other score representation information.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that converts electromagnetic radiation into electric current, of the type comprising a plurality of junctions between a first element (11; 111) of material with conduction through carriers of positive charge and a second element (12; 112) of a material with conduction through carriers of negative charge, said plurality of junctions defining a plurality of couples (10; 111, 112) comprising a hot junction (19) and a cold junction (18), said plurality of couples (10; 110) receiving a thermal flow (FT) generated by a radiation (R) incident in the direction of a region (172) including the hot junction (19), said apparatus (20; 30; 70; 170; 190) including a device (25; 75; 175) to guide said radiation (R) towards said plurality of couples (10; 111, 112).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to reduce safety risks associated with photovoltaic systems by providing a safety switch on a photovoltaic panel. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic panel includes: at least one photovoltaic cell; a connector to output energy from the photovoltaic panel; and a switch coupled between the at least one photovoltaic cell and the connector. The switch is configured to disconnect the at least one photovoltaic cell from the connector during installation of the photovoltaic panel, and to connect the at least one photovoltaic cell with the connector after installation of the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The solar tracker includes a solar array, a frame, a base, a pivot frame, and a first and second actuator. The solar array is mounted to the frame and captures sunlight. The base is pivotally connected to the frame and defines a pivot axis for elevational movement of the solar array. The pivot frame is also pivotally connected to the frame and defines a pivot axis for azimuthal movement of the solar array. The first actuator controls elevational movement of the solar array and the second actuator controls azimuthal movement of the solar array. The solar tracker is pivotable between a raised position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A method of forming a crosslinked, non-discotic backbone polymer coating on a substrate, comprises the steps of: (a) coupling a layer of porphyrinic macrocycles to the substrate; (b) cross-linking the layer of porphyrinic macrocycles to form a layer of cross-linked porphyrinic macrocycles; and then (c) coupling a subsequent layer of porphyrinic macrocycles to the layer of cross-linked porphyrinic macrocycles of step (b) to form a non-discotic backbone polymer of porphyrinic macrocycles between the cross linked layer of step (b) and the subsequent layer of porphyrinic macrocycles to form a crosslinked, non-discotic backbone polymer coating thereon. Light harvesting arrays and solar cells that can be produced by such methods are also described.

Abstract: A photoelectric transfer material, manufacturing method thereof, photoelectric transfer element and manufacturing method thereof are provided. In an organic photoelectric transfer element of an organic solar cell or other like device, the photoelectric transfer material is composed of a conductive polymer such as MEH-PPV, electronic acceptor such as a fullerene derivative and antenna porphyrin aggregate. The photoelectric transfer material can be made by coating a mixed solution of the conductive polymer, electron acceptor and antenna porphyrin aggregate by spin coating, for example. This photoelectric transfer material and a photoelectric transfer element using the material exhibit high photoelectric transfer efficiency because of small electric resistance and high sunlight usage efficiency, and simultaneously exhibit stability.

Abstract: A cable has a conductor and an insulator over the conductor. The conductor includes a first layer of at least one conductor element, a second layer of conductor elements, disposed over the first layer, and an intermediate water blocking layer, between the first and second conductor layers. The intermediate water block layering has at least one longitudinally applied water swellable yarn and at least one helically applied water swellable yarn.

Abstract: A security cover for selectively securing an access opening in an enclosure or a utility pole using a padlock with a shackle. The security cover includes a rigid cover, that substantially covers the access opening and has a lock-bar opening formed therethrough. A shroud is fixed about the lock-bar opening on the exterior surface of the rigid cover, and the shroud has an access port for enabling insertion of the padlock between the shroud and the exterior surface of the rigid cover. A lock-bar extends through the lock-bar opening in the rigid cover while the clamp-bar is engaged with the interior of the enclosure. The shackle-hole is accessible through the access port of the shroud.

Abstract: A cable includes at least one electrical conductor and at least one extruded covering layer including a thermoplastic polymer material in admixture with a dielectric liquid, wherein the thermoplastic polymer material includes (a) at least 75% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer material, of at least one copolymer of at least two ?-olefin co-monomers, the copolymer having a melting enthalpy lower than 25 J/g; and (b) an amount equal to or less than 25% by weight with respect to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer material of at least one propylene homopolymer or propylene copolymer with at least one ?-olefin, the at least one propylene homopolymer or propylene copolymer having a melting enthalpy higher than 25 J/g and a melting point higher than 130° C.

Abstract: An animal protectant power line electrical insulator to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically the insulator may include, a snap-fit insulating cover configured to fit over an energized part of an electrical structure of a power line, a resiliently flexible separable juncture for application onto the power line and secure closure; and perhaps even at least one formed eye on the cover. A cover may hold itself in place and may be made from plastic, fiberglass, PVC, or other semi-rigid, non-conductive material; molded, formed, or fabricated to fit a desired application.

Abstract: A multilayer printed circuit board has an IC chip included in a core substrate in advance and a mediate layer provided on a pad of the IC chip. Due to this, it is possible to electronically connect the IC chip to the multilayer printed circuit board without using lead members and a sealing resin. Also, by providing the mediate layer made of copper on the die pad, it is possible to prevent resin residues on the pad and to improve connection characteristics between the pad and a via hole and reliability.

Abstract: A connecting device for the electrically conductive connection of electronic components and a substrate. The connecting device is formed as a film composite formed of at least one insulating film and at least two electrically conductive films disposed on opposite sides of the insulating film. The film composite is formed as a layer construction of a conductive film alternating with an insulating film, wherein at least one conductive film is structured and thus forms conductor tracks. Furthermore, at least one conductive film of a main area of the film composite is made of a first metal and has at least one film section having a layer of a second metal that is thinner in comparison with the thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: A screened housing (1) with press-fit pins (2) for electrical contacting on an electrical support component, in particular for automobile application, is composed of two housing sections (14,15) each including a housing base (3) each with two housing edges (4) with press-fit pins (2). Above all a screened housing is achieved by the invention with press-fit pins around all four circumferential sides which can be produced simply and economically in a follow-on composite tool. Such screened housings are particularly suitable for automobile applications for screening electrical components from incoming or emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic assembly (50) comprising an electronic component, a cavity and a substrate which method comprises; —providing an electronic component (10) having a first pattern with a substantially closed configuration; —providing a cover (18) on a surface of the electronic component, which cover together with said surface defines a cavity (20), the closed configuration of the first pattern substantially enclosing the cover at said surface; —providing a substrate (30) having a second pattern with a substantially closed configuration, which closed configuration at least partially corresponds to the closed configuration of the first pattern and comprises a solder pad; —disposing solder material at the solder pad; —positioning the electronic component and the substrate so as to align both the substantially closed configurations of the first and second pattern, while the substrate supports a top surface (28) of the cover; —reflow-soldering the solder mate

Abstract: A sanitary, live loaded, pass-through fitting apparatus which allows for variable depth insertion of a pass-through object is disclosed. The apparatus is useful for sanitary introduction of a thermowell probe, dip tube, or other objects into a process stream or vessel. The pass-through object is sealed to the fitting at the point of fluid insertion with the seal material under a live load.

Abstract: A pair of engaging projections is provided on a periphery of a knob mounting section projecting from an upper case 13. A substantially octagonal annular joint member is engaged with the engaging projections and has a pair of engaging projections provided in the direction of 90 degrees off the engaging projections so as to be relatively rockably engaged with the operation knob, whereby the operation knob is universally jointed through the joint member with the knob mounting section. The operation knob is capable of being rocked by pressing an optional position thereof in the circumferential direction, and by being pivoted on two axes meeting at right angles, properly controlled steady operation can be performed. A seal plate is placed on a concave portion of the upper case. Lift springs are projectingly formed on the seal plate at intervals of about 45 degrees in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An electrical safety receptacle with a cross-connection circuit, comprising: a line, a neutral and a ground wire input from an electrical power source, a line, a neutral and a ground wire output receptacles, four sets of fixed connection points, four sets of movable connection points, a first and a second cross-connection metal connectors, receptacle housing, a top cover, and a plurality of installation screws, when a line prong and a neutral prong of a power plug are not inserted into the line and neutral wire output receptacles, the line and neutral wire output receptacles are not electrically connected to the line wire and neutral wire of the electrical power source, and when the line prong and the neutral prong of the power plug are inserted into the line and neutral wire output receptacles, the line and neutral wire output receptacles are electrically connected to the line wire and neutral wire of the electrical power source.

Abstract: Such a control (10) firstly has a control housing (11) with a control rocker switch (21) which is mounted on the control housing in such a way that it can be rocked and at least two electrical wires in the interior of the housing, which protrude from the control housing (11) and are attached to an electrical drive of one lock. An electrical switch which in turn has a switch housing with a ductile snap disc (40), which interacts with at least two rest contacts as articulated contact when a switch actuator deforms the snap disc, is normally a part of this control. The rest contacts are connected to the wires in the control housing (11). In order to manufacture an economical and space-saving device, it is proposed that the control housing (11) is also used as the switch housing and that the control rocker switch (21) is also utilized as the switch actuator.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes a housing defining at least two receiving sections, at least one separating member provided in the housing between the two receiving sections, at least two conductive balls disposed rollably and respectively in the receiving sections, a pair of first terminals extending into one of the receiving sections to contact one of the conductive balls, and a pair of second terminals extending into the other one of the receiving sections to contact the other one of the conductive balls. The conductive balls are rollable toward the respective pairs of the first and second terminals in a first direction. The separating member prevents movement of the conductive balls from one of the receiving sections to the other one of the receiving sections.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition having such selective adhesiveness that shows high adhesion to an organic material than to a molding die is bonded to a sheet of the organic material and is vulcanized and cured in the mold. Thus, an elastomer keypad of double-layer structure is produced in which an organic material layer, which can be easily subjected to coating, bonding with an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, has been united and bonded as a surface layer to the rubber. Keytops are bonded to the elastomer keypad to produce a covering member for push-button switches. A polyurethane elastomer sheet is preferably used as the organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is a side-surface light-emitting unit to illuminate one or more illuminated objects disposed on a flat surface to extend in one direction, from a side surface of the illuminated object and includes a light guiding body which is disposed along the side surface of the illuminated object and emits light toward the side surface of the illuminated object, and an LED disposed at at least one end of light guiding body, an upper surface and a lower surface of the light guiding body except the side surface facing the object being optically shielded. It is possible to brightly illuminate objects such as key switches or the like from one end of the arrangement along a direction of the arrangement by uninterrupted continuous emission light.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus simplifies the structure of and facilitates the manufacture of the electronic apparatus having a seesaw-type operation button which is tiltable in a plurality of directions. The electronic apparatus has: an operation button; an operation panel provided with a holding portion for holding the operation button; and a plurality of switches to be pushed down by the operation button. The operation button comprises: a plurality of operating portions; a plurality of pressing portions respectively provided on the plurality of operating portions toward the plurality of switches; and a flat-shaped flexible board portion protruded between the plurality of pressing portions. The board portion is held by the holding portion.

Abstract: A switch for a switching unit for energy supply and distribution includes a first connection and a second connection, each with a cylindrical bolt. The bolts are axially adjacent one another and spaced apart. An annular sleeve with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the bolts, is arranged in such a way that it can be axially displaced on the bolt of the first connection, and partially on the bolt of the second connection. At least a first contact element is arranged between the surface of the bolt of the first connection and the inner surface of the annular sleeve. At least a second contact element is arranged and constructed in such a way that it can be positioned between the surface of the bolt of the second connection and the inner surface of the annular sleeve.

Abstract: A switch adapted to make and/or break a connection in an electric circuit to operate a device has a front to face the user and a rear to face away from the user, a housing, and switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes in operative connection, a lens facing the front, an information element, a control element, a lighting element, a capacitive sensing element and a power element to operate the lighting element and sensing element. The switch includes a communication element to provide electrical connection to the device and is activated by the control element when a change in capacitance is sensed by the capacitive sensing element such that the information element and lighting element can be viewed through the lens and the device is operated.

Abstract: A method of realizing selective separation of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes from bundled carbon nanotubes; and obtaining of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes separated at high purity through the above method. Metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes are dispersed one by one from bundled carbon nanotubes not only by the use of a difference in interaction with amine between metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes due to a difference in electrical properties between metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes but also by the use of the fact that an amine is an important factor in SWNTs separation. The thus dispersed carbon nanotubes are subjected to centrifugation, thereby attaining separation from non-dispersed semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A device and method for sorting microparticles including a nozzle for a separating stream, with a vibration generator for the dispersion of the separation flow into a droplet flow with a deflector device for separation of the droplet flow into a through flow and at least one side flow depending on signals from an analytical device configured to analyze the microparticles (s) contained in the droplets and to control the deflector device. Also provided is a protective chamber in which at least the nozzle, the oscillation generator and the deflector device are arranged. The analytical device is outside the safety cabinet wherein the protective chamber is part of the safety cabinet with a clean chamber and a monitoring device through which the signals of the microparticles arising from the separating stream are supplied to the detectors of the analytical device, arranged outside the safety cabinet.

Abstract: An installation for the plasma processing of a continuous material (1) includes an evacuatable discharge chamber (3a, 3b) and a device for setting a gas atmosphere in the discharge chamber (3a, 3b). The device for setting a gas atmosphere includes a prechamber system (10, 11, 12) and a postchamber system (2), with sluice openings between the chambers (2, 3a, 3b, 10, 11, 12). The continuous material (1) is guided with low friction through the prechamber system (10, 11, 12) and the postchamber system (2). The device for setting a gas atmosphere includes a recovery system wherein gas can be recirculated from a postchamber (2a . . . 2k) into a prechamber (10, 11, 12) and/or postchamber (2a . . . 2k) having a higher pressure level so that processing is effected in a gas-saving manner.

Abstract: A high, energy, high repetition rate workpiece surface heating apparatus is disclosed which comprise a XeF laser producing a laser output light pulse beam, an optical system narrowing the laser output light pulse beam in the short axis of the laser output light pulse beam and expanding the laser output light pulse beam to form in a long axis of the beam a workpiece covering extent of the long axis, the optical system focuses the laser output light pulse beam at a field stop with a magnification sufficient to maintain an intensity profile that has sufficiently steep sidewalls to allow the field stop to maintain a sufficiently steep beam profile at the workpiece.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technique relate to a welding storage structure. In one embodiment, a welding system includes a welding chassis and a storage structure that rotates outwardly from the welding chassis. In another embodiment, a welding system includes a welding storage unit having a storage base with a plurality of storage compartments, a cover removably disposed over the plurality of the storage compartments, and a rotatable chassis mount configured to couple the welding storage unit rotatably to a welding chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and compositions for arc welding consumables such as electrodes that reduce the energy otherwise required for the welding. Particularly, the techniques and electrode compositions can reduce the extent of contamination of weld metal in an arc welding operation. The techniques and compositions promote exothermic reactions during the welding process which reduce the energy otherwise required of the arc. Lower energy arcs can be of shorter length, which thereby reduce the potential for weld contamination by agents from the atmosphere or shielding gas. The techniques and compositions can also be used to selectively tailor shape of the resulting weld, achieve particular weld deposition rates, achieve particular cooling rates and thus influence weld properties, and also enable formation of certain phases in the weld metal.

Abstract: A convection oven for use in a food delivery vehicle comprises an oven cavity with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air feed conduit for feeding an air feed into the oven cavity through the air inlet and a heating arrangement for heating the air feed before it is fed into the oven cavity, the heating arrangement comprising a heating device that is electrically powered and being arranged to maintain a temperature of at least 130° C. in the oven cavity. A food delivery vehicle may comprise such an oven and the oven may be heatable from an electric current provided by the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric heating textile is provided. The electric heating textile includes an electric heating layer, plural heat-insulating layers and a protective layer. The electric heating layer includes at least one conductive yarn capable of generating heat and plural aromatic polyamide fibers. The heat-insulating layers are under the electric heating layer. The protective layer is on the electric heating layer. A method for manufacturing the electric heating textile is also disclosed in the specification.

Abstract: A power solar panel is maintained in an optimum position relative to the sun during daylight as the sun traverses a solar track elevated above the horizon and extending from a sunrise location to a sunset location during each day of consecutive days of the year by utilizing solar energy to power a sun tracker which carries the power solar panel. The sun tracker includes pairs of solar modules wherein the solar modules are arrayed in an A-shaped cross-sectional configuration for being aimed directly at the sun in response to exposure to the sun, and the pairs of solar modules power motors which tilt the solar panel about a horizontal direction and rotate the power solar panel about a vertical direction to maintain optimum alignment with the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: A new pixel in semiconductor technology comprises a photo-sensitive detection region (1) for converting an electromagnetic wave field into an electric signal of flowing charges, a separated demodulation region (2) with at least two output nodes (D10, D20) and means (IG10, DG10, IG20, DG20) for sampling the charge-current signal at least two different time intervals within a modulation period. A contact node (K2) links the detection region (1) to the demodulation region (2). A drift field accomplishes the transfer of the electric signal of flowing charges from the detection region to the contact node. The electric signal of flowing charges is then transferred from the contact node (K2) during each of the two time intervals to the two output nodes allocated to the respective time interval. The separation of the demodulation and the detection regions provides a pixel capable of demodulating electromagnetic wave field at high speed and with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Methods and structures to reduce the occurrence of crosstalk and pixel noise in solid state imager arrays. In an exemplary embodiment, a section of a layer patterned to form polysilicon buried-contacts in the pixel structure is also patterned to be disposed over the active, photosensor portion of the pixel. The section of the buried-contact layer covering the photosensor portion of the pixel serves to filter the light striking the buried-contact layer before the light strikes the photosensor. The polysilicon light filter reduces the amount of stray light entering from the adjacent pixels without adding significant processing complexity.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a base wall, a plurality of sidewalls cooperating with the base wall to define a receiving space that has an open end, an emitter disposed in the receiving space and having an emitter element to emit a light signal, a receiver disposed in the receiving space and having a receiver element to receive the light signal, a cover body disposed in the receiving space between the emitter and the receiver, a ball chamber formed between inner surfaces of the base wall and the cover body, a ball member disposed movably in the ball chamber, an emitter light passage optically communicating with the ball chamber and the emitter, and a receiver light passage optically communicating with the ball chamber and the receiver. The cover body, the emitter, and the receiver cooperatively close the open end of the receiving space.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes at least one transparent elevation, which is formed on the surface. The transparent elevation is made of a first transparent material. At least one first facet of the transparent elevation defines a first angle with the surface. This first angle is larger than an angle at which a total-reflection occurs at an interface of the first transparent material and air and is at the same time smaller than an angle at which a total reflection occurs at an interface of the first transparent material and the liquid. A light source is arranged for emitting an incident ray into a first direction passing through the surface into the transparent elevation such that in a presence of a liquid at the first facet, an incident ray is transmitted through the first facet. In an absence of a liquid, the incident ray is reflected due to a total reflection at the facets. A light detector is provided for detecting the reflected ray.

Abstract: A light guide mechanism for an illuminance sensor includes: a lighting window configured to pass through an external light; the illuminance sensor configured to detect an illuminance of the light passed through the lighting window; and a light-blocking part provided between the lighting window and the illuminance sensor and configured to block a light other than the light passed through the lighting window. The light-blocking part has an inner surface inclined with respect to a line perpendicular to a light-receiving surface of the illuminance sensor. A direction of inclination of the inner surface is such that the inner surface faces the light-receiving surface of the illuminance sensor.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible holes penetrate through at least a portion of the light resistant material in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern.

Abstract: A scintillator device is provided that includes a scintillator device having a scintillator crystal and a shock absorbing member surrounding the scintillator crystal. The scintillator device has a detected light output, ((LO100)/(LO0))×100%, of not less than 88% wherein LO100 is the detected light output of the device after 100 hours of exposure at 175° C. and LO0 is the original detected light output at room temperature prior to exposure at 175° C.

Abstract: Circuits for correcting base line shift of the detector coupling circuit of a TOFMS provide gain and impedance characteristics that compensate for the AC coupling effect of the detector. In one circuit, base line correction is achieved by injecting a current equal to that which flows due to the buildup charge in the detectors AC coupling network. In another circuit, the current source drives an integrator which is coupled to the signal path to reduce the detector AC coupling effects. In another circuit, a low noise amplifier utilizes a feedback network that reduces the detector AC coupling effects. In yet another circuit, an operational amplifier is employed to reduce the detector AC coupling effects.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for determining composition of chemical constituents in a complex mixture are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for determining composition of chemical constituents in a complex mixture includes generating, using a separation tool and a mass spectrometer, separation and mass spectrometry data of a sample, wherein the separation data includes peak information and wherein the mass spectrometry data includes primary and secondary mass spectrometry data. The analysis results, including the generated separation and mass spectrometry data, are collected and stored. A chemical constituent of the sample is determined by comparing the analysis results to a library of information indicating characteristics of chemical entities, where the comparison is based on the separation and mass spectrometry information.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method are described that may be used with various spectrometers. The data acquisition system may include an ion detector, an initial/transient processing module, and a spectra processing module. The initial/transient processing module is provided for processing the ion detection signals and for supplying processed signals to the spectra processing module. The transient processing module may contiguously sample the ion detection signals at a rate of at least 1.5 GHz. The spectra processing module may generate spectra from the transients at a rate of at least 50 spectra per second. The initial processing module may be configured to have a sensitivity that is sufficient to detect a single ion received within one of over at least 100 transients and to detect and quantify a number of ions simultaneously striking said ion detector up to at least 10 simultaneously striking ions.

Abstract: A method for operating an ion mobility spectrometer that comprises a measuring tube, a substance collector and a membrane inlet, the measuring tube, the substance collector and the membrane inlet defining a closed internal gas circuit, comprising separating the closed internal gas circuit from an external sample gas flow through the membrane inlet, transferring circulating gas containing an analyte substance from the membrane inlet to the substance collector, the analyte substance accumulated in the substance collector, releasing the accumulated analyte substances, and transferring the released analyte substances to the measuring tube.

Abstract: A method to determine a distribution profile of an element in a film. The method comprises exciting an electron energy of an element deposited in a first film, obtaining a first spectrum associating with the electron energy, and removing a background spectrum from the first spectrum. Removing the background value generates a processed spectrum. The method further includes matching the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum with a known simulated distribution profile for the element in a film comparable to the first film. A distribution profile is obtained for the element in the first film based on the matching of the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum selected from the set of simulated spectra.

Abstract: A scanning electron microscope capable of performing alone the critical dimension measurement and the defect inspection is provided. The scanning electron microscope has a reference image storage unit for storing a reference image transcribing a reference pattern, an inspected image pick-up unit for picking up, on the basis of the reference image, an inspected image transcribing an inspection pattern which pattern-matches with the reference pattern, a critical dimension measuring unit for measuring critical dimensions of the inspection pattern by using the inspected image, and a defect inspection unit for performing an inspection of a defect inside or outside the inspection pattern by comparing the reference image with the inspected image.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to atom probes, atom probe specimens, and associated methods. For example, certain aspects are directed toward methods for analyzing a portion of a specimen that includes selecting a region of interest and moving a portion of material in a border region proximate to the region of interest so that at least a portion of the region of interest protrudes relative to at least a portion of the border region. The method further includes analyzing a portion of the region of interest. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for applying photonic energy in an atom probe process by passing photonic energy through a lens system separated from a photonic device and spaced apart from the photonic device. Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for reflecting photonic energy off an outer surface of an electrode onto a specimen.