Abstract: A moveable machine to rapidly apply and cure thin layers of a UV curable coating on a surface such as a floor. The machine has an applicator to apply a thin curable coating in a path following the direction of motion of the machine. The machine also has UV lamps to cure the curable coating with a curing beam that overlaps newly applied coating. The UV lamps emit an intense UV radiation beam creating an annular cure zone around the applicator path. Movement of the machine along with the ensuing movement of the applicator and rotating UV lamps causes the applied curable coating to be exposed to the annular cure zone and cured. This rapid curing of applicator coating paths allows the machine to be immediately passed over the cured area multiple times and rapidly build up multiple thin cured layers to achieve a thick coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell array of the type comprising a primary electrode array and a counter-electrode array together defining a series-connected sequence of cells, each containing electrolyte which is insulated from direct electrical contact with the electrolyte of neighbouring cells, the method comprising: (a) depositing electrolyte into the cells; and (b) sensing the level of electrolyte deposited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for pattern formation and an apparatus for pattern formation, the method comprising: applying, between partition lines for pattern formation formed on a surface of a base member, a resin composition for pattern formation having small compatibility or substantially no compatibility with a resin forming the partition lines for pattern formation, in a state in which the surface of the base member with the partition lines for pattern formation formed whereon is placed face down; maintaining the state in which the resin composition for pattern formation is held on the surface of the base member that is placed face down in order to form the resin composition for pattern formation applied between the partition lines for pattern formation into a downward convex shape; and curing the resin composition for pattern formation that is formed into the downward convex shape in order to form a pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other.

Abstract: A localised extraction system (2) which allows a paint finishing process to be carried out without the need for a traditional spraybooth. The system (2) comprising a frame (36) with means to attach it about a portion of a surface which requires spraying and/or curing and/or drying, the frame (36) forming a localised containment wall thereabout, the frame (36) having an extraction means which draws air from the central aperture (38) of the frame and at the same time draws any paint overspray out of the aperture (38) for safe disposal. The frame (36) may comprise deflection means to retain overspray within the confines of the frame (36) and an optional curing unit which fits into the frames opening to cure the painted surface with the extraction operating at the same time to draw paint fumes emitted during drying. The extraction system, may additionally comprise a drying unit having means to supply a stream of forced air into the frame to facilitate drying.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming components or circuits by ejecting a fluid including materials in a single ligament are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and device for self-tanning characterized by the fact that said device comprises a booth (2) whose two lateral walls (5) are fitted with a series of gratings (51) where, behind each grating (51), the presence of one or more lamps (52) is envisaged, which are intended to warm the area inside the booth and to radiate the skin of a person situated in the interior of the booth, means of movement (40) located externally to the rear wall (4) and intended to make a rod (41) run, with said rod being fitted with arms (42) whose free ends (43) are fitted with a spraying device (11) equipped with nozzles (12) designed to nebulize a tanning substance and a high pressure pump (14) connected to a compressor which is envisaged for sucking up the tanning solution from a recipient (15) and transferring it to a pipeline connected with the spraying device (11) The device comprises a control panel (6) connected to a means of management envisaged for activating and governing the diverse fu

Abstract: Ink deposited on a substrate by an ink-jet arrangement to form a protective layer includes hardenable oligomer, hardenable monomer selected from a group including alkoxylated and/or poly-alkoxylated acrylic monomers comprising one or more di- or tri-acrylates, and a photoinitiator. The oligomer has a room temperature viscosity greater than 1 Pa·s. The oligomer to monomer weight ratio is between 1/6 and 1/25. The ink has a room temperature viscosity between 15 and 22 mPa·s and between 5 and 2 mPa·s at 60° C., and a room temperature surface tension between 15 and 28 mN/m. The photoinitiator is activated by a UV source having an appropriate wavelength and intensity.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejection apparatus has a droplet ejecting portion and an energy beam radiating portion. The liquid droplet ejecting portion ejects droplets containing pattern forming material onto an ejection target surface. The energy beam radiating portion radiates an energy beam onto a boundary between the droplets that have been received by the ejection target surface at different timings so as to move boundary areas of the droplets. Accordingly, using the liquid droplet ejection apparatus, a pattern having an accurately defined shape can be formed.

Abstract: The installation includes elements for the temporary injection of inert gas; and at least one individual and autonomous casing (6) provided with a window (13) and including receiving elements for a support (3) carrying an ophthalmic lens (2), and sealing elements (21) adapted to form around the ophthalmic lens (2) a sealed enclosure, that enclosure including a non-return inlet member adapted to cooperate with the elements for the temporary injection of inert gas.

Abstract: A central dryer for electron beam curing is described which includes a first application unit for the application of a first coating to a web. The central dryer for electron beam curing also includes an irradiation unit in which a first electron beam generator and a second electron beam generator are arranged for the irradiation of the web. The electron beam generators arranged in the irradiation unit have connections for at least one pump system to generate an operating vacuum. In addition to this the central dryer for electron beam curing also has a web guiding system which feeds the web successively but not necessarily in direct succession, to the first application unit, the first electron beam generator, the second electron beam generator.

Abstract: A device and method for curing photoactivatable paint coatings. An exemplary device may include a light chamber housing supported by a frame and undercarriage, the wall portions of the light chamber having a peripheral region terminating at a light emission region. A UV light source may be located within the light chamber. A motorized carrier may be provided and configured to controllably index and/or oscillate the UV light source along a travel path within the housing. The light chamber may be located adjacent a target paint cure location on a work piece, with the UV light emission region facing the paint cure location. Once properly located, the UV light source may be indexed and/or oscillated along the travel path to deliver UV light to the target paint cure location so as to cure UV curable paint thereon.

Abstract: A method for reacting thin films on a low-temperature substrate within a reactive atmosphere is disclosed. The thin film contains a reducible metal oxide, and the reactive atmosphere contains a reducing gas such as hydrogen or methane. The low-temperature substrate can be polymer, plastic or paper. Multiple light pulses from a high-intensity strobe system are used to reduce the metal oxide to metal and to sinter the metal if applicable.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for forming and spray coating formed objects, such as pharmaceutical tablets, by spray coating during a dedusting process carried out after forming. The process optionally includes a drying step, which may be carried out using an infrared emitter.

Abstract: Sandwiched structures for an optical disc, especially for Blu-ray discs, are disclosed. According to one exemplary structure, a substrate is sandwiched by two cover layers on both sides of a disc As a result, similar characteristics in material on both sides of the disc help sustain the shape and flatness of the disc. To provide the cover layers in uniform thickness, techniques for creating or producing such a cover layer are described. In one embodiment, a certain amount of the material in liquid form is dispensed onto a dispensing structure. After the dispensing structure is engaged to hold a disc, the dispensing structure and the disc as a whole unit is rotated at a predefined speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accelerated drying of at least one polymer which is located at least partially on a component, in particular at least a layer of paint and/or a sealing agent which is applied to an aircraft component in particular with a different material composition, involving the following steps of: a) at least partially applying the at least one polymer, in particular an epoxy resin and/or polyurethane-based layer of paint and/or a sealing agent, to an upper side of the component, and b) at least partially drying the polymer by means of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength range of between 0.28 ?m and 4.0 ?m. Accelerated drying of the polymer, in particular the paint layer thereby becomes possible from an upper side of the component to an upper side of the paint layer, whereby high surface-quality of the painting can be achieved with processing times which are nonetheless short.

Abstract: A method for embedding information on a substrate including converting information to machine readable code, wherein the code comprises a set of intended printed markings, wherein each intended printed marking of the set has a predetermined height on a substrate and represents a predetermined value, wherein intended printed markings having a same predetermined height represent a same data value, and wherein intended printed markings representing different data values have different heights; and printing the machine readable code on the substrate by depositing an ultra-violet curable phase change ink comprising an optional colorant and a phase change ink vehicle comprising a radiation curable monomer or prepolymer; a photoinitiator; a reactive wax; and a gellant and curing the deposited ink, such that each of the intended printed markings is formed as a printed marking with the predetermined height.

Abstract: A UV curing apparatus and method is provided for enhancing the distribution and application of UV light to UV photo initiators in a UV curable ink, coating or adhesive. The UV curing apparatus and method comprises UV LED assemblies in a first row with the UV LED assemblies spaced from adjacent UV LED assemblies. At least one second row of a plurality of UV LED assemblies are provided next to the first row but with the UV LED assemblies of the second row positioned adjacent the spaces between adjacent UV LED assemblies in the first row thereby to stagger the second row of UV LED assemblies from the UV LED assemblies in the first row. Desirably, the rows of staggered UV LED assemblies are mounted on a panel. UV curable products, articles or other objects containing UV photo initiators that are in or on a web can be conveyed or otherwise moved past the rows of UV LED assemblies for effective UV curing.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying and fusing a powder coating to substrates of various composition uses two lasers to accurately heat the coating to the optimum temperature. A second laser has less power and heats a smaller area than the first laser. Temperature control is enhanced by the ability to superheterodyne two lasers at separate frequencies. This allows for better absorption of certain materials being fused by the laser. Another common problem associated with laser processing occurs as the polymer heats up. During the heating process the spectral lines are Doppler broadened and slightly shifted. This can affect the absorption of a laser of a fixed wavelength. With the present invention, the optimum laser frequency can be turned to a more optimum frequency for absorption still with sufficient power for fast efficient thermal processing.

Abstract: An adjunct apparatus for coating moving sheets is provided within an in-line apparatus of manufacturing the sheets. The adjunct apparatus comprises at least one array of controlled orifices capable of producing jets of UV curable composition directed towards the sheets. The composition is cured by at least one UV radiation tube placed adjacent to the arrays of controlled orifices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing assembly comprising at least two light sources combined into one light path, wherein the light sources are capable of curing a material exposed to the combined light path. The invention also relates to a method of curing a material or material in contact with a heat sensitive material comprising providing a curable material or a material associated with a heat sensitive material and exposing curable material to a combined light path from the curing assembly.

Abstract: In this invention, it provides a method for forming a pattern, which is capable of improving position control after a drop, which was discharged from a drop discharge apparatus, was landed on a substrate. In addition, it provides a drop discharge apparatus which is capable of improving drop position accuracy after it was landed. Further, it provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which uses the drop discharge apparatus of this invention. This invention is characterized in that a drop which was discharged from a discharge part, or a substrate on which a drop is landed, is irradiated with a laser beam, and a landing position of a drop is controlled. By this invention, it is possible to form a pattern, without using a photolithography process.

Abstract: A notch or the like of a wafer is detected via a guide member by means of a CCD camera provided so that an optical axis is coaxial to an optical axis of a laser beam, and alignment of the wafer is carried out. Next, in a state in which liquid ejected from a main nozzle or sub-nozzles is guided by means of the guide member, a laser beam whose optical axis is provided to be coaxial to the optical axis of the CCD camera is irradiated via the guide member. In addition, a predetermined processing operation is carried out with respect to the surface while an irradiation position of the laser beam is moved in a horizontal direction. The wafer is then transported from a chuck to the outside, and then, a purge gas is supplied to a bottom face of the guide member, and the bottom face is dried.

Abstract: A machine for applying ultraviolet light to curable coatings on floors and other wide area surfaces. A housing encloses rotating arms carrying UV lamps spinning about a central axis. Rotation is caused by reactive momentum from heated air jets coming from fans in barrels blowing air over heated wires, resembling hand held hair dryers, with the barrels supported under rotating arms. The heated wires are ballast for the lamps, providing thermal and electrical stability. The rotating lamps cover an annular pattern which, when advanced forwardly, becomes a linear swath, almost as wide as the housing. A floor, or similar surface, can be cured in a few minutes.

Abstract: A thermal processing unit of a thermal processor for anti-reflection films includes: a covering nozzle for covering a substrate from above supported by a thermal processing plate and discharging an adhesion enhancing agent to a periphery of a substrate supported by the thermal processing plate; and a vaporization processor for supplying an adhesion enhancing agent in the vapor phase to the covering nozzle. While a substrate placed over the thermal processing plate is being subjected to thermal process, a control part causes the covering nozzle to discharge an adhesion enhancing agent in the vapor phase onto a periphery of a substrate to realize adhesion enhancement process. Thus, the adhesion between a resist coating film and a substrate surface in the periphery of a substrate is enhanced. Further, parallel implementation of thermal process and adhesion enhancement process exerts no influence on throughput.

Abstract: A method for forming a mark includes ejecting a droplet of a liquid from a nozzle onto an ejection target position on a surface of an object along an ejecting direction; radiating a laser beam from a radiation port onto the ejection target position along a radiating direction; and pivoting the nozzle and the radiation port together about the ejection target position as a pivot center, thereby changing the angle between a normal line of the surface of the object and the ejecting direction and the angle between the normal line and the radiating direction while maintaining the angle between the ejecting direction and the radiating direction.

Abstract: A coating device for coating a peripheral surface of a sleeve body with a coating formulation includes a vertical support column for supporting a sleeve body in a vertical position coaxial with a coating axis, a carriage slideable along the vertical support column, and an annular coating stage attached to the carriage and moveable therewith for containing the coating formulation and for coating a layer of the coating formulation onto the peripheral surface of the sleeve body during a sliding movement of the carriage along the vertical support column. The coating device includes an irradiation stage that is arranged to be moveable with the annular coating stage and to provide radiation to at least partially cure the layer of coating formulation onto the peripheral surface so as to prevent flow off of the coating formulation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating diffusion media for a fuel cell that includes using variable frequency microwaves for heating the diffusion media after it has been coated with a solvent including fluorocarbon particles to provide broader control over the distribution of the fluorocarbon on the diffusion media. In one embodiment, a carbon fiber substrate is dipped in a solution including the fluorocarbon particles and a surfactant. The wet and coated substrate is then dried using the microwave radiation, where the frequency of the microwave radiation is varied to increase or control the dispersion of the fluorocarbon particles and the hydrophobicity of the diffusion media. In one embodiment, the microwave radiation is varied in frequency between 500 MHz and 1000 GHZ.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a patterned material having a predetermined surface characteristic of high quality and fine definition formed on one side thereof, said apparatus comprising: a cylindrical roll having a peripheral surface of a predetermined texture corresponding to the desired surface characteristic to be produced in the material, corresponding adjustable nip rolls being spaced apart at a predetermined distance to form a fixed narrow gap of predetermined width therebetween, means operatively connected to said cylindrical roll for rotating said cylindrical roll at a predetermined speed of rotation, means for directing the material through the narrow gap onto the peripheral surface of said cylindrical roll and over a predetermined arcuate path therealong, means for applying to the exposed surface of the cylindrical roll as it rotates a coating of a flowable uncured thermosetting resin, means for curing the coating of uncured thermosetting resin while it is in contact with the peripheral surface of sai

Abstract: A coating system (1) for blown containers (9) made of plastic material, with high production rate and flexibility so as to allow an efficient coupling with the most advanced one-stage or blowing machines. Such coating system (1), despite its high production rate, envisages a compact global structure with low implementation costs and contained energy consumption. Along with the system, a corresponding coating process is described, which consists in the effective and rapid application of several paint layers on plastic containers (9).

Abstract: A method provides an etching ambient environment within an ultraviolet curing chamber and can optionally also generate an electrical discharge in the chamber. The method also irradiates the substrate with ultraviolet radiation. The providing of the etching ambient environment, the generating of the electrical discharge, and the irradiating can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, the providing of the etching ambient environment and the generating of the electrical discharge can be used as a pre-treatment and performed before the irradiating. The etching ambient environment and the generating of the electrical discharge can be provided in such concentrations that the etching ambient environment removes hydrogen and/or oxygen from the deposited thin film.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods of coating glass containers and the containers produced therefrom. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide a method of coating glass containers by at least partially drying and/or curing one or more organic coatings on a glass container using accelerated drying.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for simultaneously spraying an ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymer-based coating and initiating a cure process. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle, at least one radiation emitter and a power source. The at least one radiation emitter is configured to emit UV radiation at a frequency corresponding to a radiation frequency for curing a UV-curable polymer of a coating composition. The at least one radiation emitter is associated with the spray nozzle and is aligned to direct UV radiation into a mist emitted from the spray nozzle, when in use. The power source supplies power to the at least one radiation emitter. The method permits irradiation of a mist of coating composition as it exits the spray nozzle thereby initiating the production of free radicals from a photo-initiator and commencing the cure process.

Abstract: An ink composition includes a conductive fine particle, a dispersion medium in which the conductive fine particle is dispersed, and a combustion substance that starts a combustion reaction by receiving light.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for the treatment of liquids and gases using ultraviolet light. In one embodiment, a substantially enclosed chamber coated with a reflective material containing an ultraviolet lamp and an ultraviolet transmissive tube running through the chamber for the treatment of liquid passed therethrough is disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate preparation system includes a proximity head configured to be positioned near a surface of the substrate to deliver a solution to the surface of the substrate. The proximity head includes a plurality of inlets for delivering the solution and a plurality of outlets for removing a portion of the solution from the surface of the substrate. The surface of the substrate maintains a remaining portion of the solution as a coherent film after the proximity head is scanned over the surface of the substrate. The coherent film is configured to be cured. The remaining portion of the solution acts on the surface of the substrate and binds particulates present on the surface of the substrate as the coherent film cures.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the application of a composition curable by irradiation to a fastener (2) having a conveyor (3) for conveying fasteners to an application station (5); an application station (10) comprising an applicator from which the composition is dispensed. The conveyor rotates the fasteners past the applicator for application of composition. The same or another conveyor (8) conveys the fasteners to an irradiation station (10) and rotates the fasteners for irradiation thereof. The irradiation station irradiates and thus cures the composition applied to each fastener.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode forming method with steps of arraying chip-style electronic components on an arraying flat bed thereby positioning and aligning the components, lowering a film coated with an adhesive in relative manner together with an adhering top plate parallel to the arraying flat bed thereby adhering ends of the positioned and aligned chip-style electronic components to the adhesive, then lowering the first film to which the chip-style electronic components are adhered in relative manner together with a coating top plate parallel to a coating flat bed provided with a conductive paste layer of a constant thickness thereby pressing the other ends of the chip-style electronic components to the coating flat bed and coating the ends of the electronic components with the conductive paste.

Abstract: A high-frequency spray device is provided that is suitable for applying a coating fluid onto a substrate. The spray device can include an atomizing arrangement, a movable substrate holder, a gas supply, and one or more temperature control elements. The atomizing arrangement can include a resonance body which may have a trumpet-like shape and which can be excited to produce high-frequency vibrations that may provide a spray mist jet of the coating fluid. The spray device can further include a field arrangement capable of generating an electric and/or magnetic field in the region containing the substrate which may influence the deposition of the spray mist jet on the substrate. The spray device may also include a suction arrangement that can affect the shape of the spray jet mist and/or withdraw a portion of the spray jet mist.

Abstract: An apparatus having an XY-stage adapted to support base material, such as paper, and conduct two-dimensional moving thereof; a nozzle unit having three liquid droplet feeding nozzles adapted to feed separately liquid droplets containing a first shell material, liquid droplets containing a core material and liquid droplets containing a second shell material from above the base material so as to cause them to spot to the surface of the base material; and a drying unit adapted to dry the spotted liquid droplets to thereby form first and second shell films is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating device for small parts, in particular for lacquering mass produced small parts, like e.g. bolts, small plastic parts and similar, and it relates to a method for this purpose with a movable receiver element for receiving and moving the small parts, and a dispenser device, located at the receiver element for continuous or portioned dispensing the coating material into the receiver element, wherein a radiation emitter device is provided in the receiver element for emitting radiation for drying and/or hardening the coating material.

Abstract: A composition for applying a coating on a support at low temperature from a dispersion of at least a component of the coating to be deposited in the composition. The composition includes at least a strong and heavy solvent with a boiling point higher than 150° C. approximately, and a weak solvent with a boiling point less than 100° C. approximately. The solvents forming the composition must constitute a mixture that evaporates at a temperature less than 100° C. The composition is particularly useful for forming electrodes or electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. The method and the device used for forming the coating use a dispersion spreader and an infrared lamp.

Abstract: An electroless plating apparatus is provided. The electroless plating apparatus includes a wafer holder; a chemical dispensing nozzle over the wafer holder; a conduit connected to the chemical dispensing nozzle; and a radiation source over the wafer holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making articles, and systems for providing wool article have self-cleaning properties. The self-cleaning properties are brought about coating the wool articles with a photocatalyst formulation. The formulation contains titanium compounds, stabilizers, catalysts, and water.

Abstract: Apparatus for paint or lacquer coating of a sheet capable of coiling that has precisely one drive, which is assigned in effect to a second coiling mount, wherein essentially no further means of influencing the running characteristics of the sheet are provided for.

Abstract: A resin layer formation method, resin layer formation device, disk and disk manufacturing method for making a resin layer uniform on a substrate before lamination or on a substrate to be coated by a simple procedure are provided. Adhesive A is coated at the inner circumference side while rotating a substrate P at low speed, a first adhesive layer AL1 is formed on the surface of the substrate P by rotating the substrate P at high speed, a step difference section H is formed around a rotation center of the substrate P by irradiating ultraviolet on an area in the inner circumference side of the first adhesive layer AL1 and hardening the area, the adhesive A is coated at the rotation center side from the step difference section H on the substrate P, and a second adhesive layer AL2 is formed on the first adhesive layer AL1 by rotating the substrate P at high speed. The first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 are integrated to form a uniform adhesive layer B as a whole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a metal strip with a coating containing a solvent and for drying and/or cross-linking said coating. Accordingly, the metal strip is provided with the coating in an inner chamber of a coating device. The coated metal strip is conducted through a drying unit and in an inner chamber of the latter is exposed to a form of energy by at least one radiation source that is cooled by a cooling gas, said form of energy being converted to heat in the coating and/or the metal strip. The cooling gas that is supplied to the radiation source flows through the latter, absorbs the waste heat from said source and is then conducted into the inner chamber of the drying unit, thus saving energy and gas. The invention also relates to an installation that is suitable for carrying out said method.

Abstract: The ink-jet recording device includes a transport unit for transporting a recording medium, an undercoating liquid applying unit for applying an undercoating liquid to the transported recording medium and an image forming unit that is disposed downstream of the undercoating liquid applying unit in a direction of travel by the recording medium, and has an ink-jet head which ejects an ink containing at least a colorant to form an image on the recording medium to which the undercoating liquid has been applied. The undercoating liquid applying unit has a coating roll for applying the undercoating liquid to the recording medium, and a drive unit which rotates the coating roll in a direction opposite to the transporting direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A coating device (42) for a coating solution and a light beam radiating device (151) which cures the coating solution are arranged in a clean room (7). Spectacle lenses (2) include a set of two lenses and are stored in a coating container (50). The coating device (42) applies the coating solution to coating target surfaces of the spectacle lenses (2) in the coating container (50). When the set of two spectacle lenses (2) coated with the coating solution are extracted from the coating container (50), they are stored in a lens rack (120) and sealed by a transparent plate of the light beam radiating device (151). After air in the lens rack (120) is purged with nitrogen gas, curing treatment for the coating solution is performed by the light beam radiating device (151).

Abstract: Broadly speaking, a method and an apparatus are provided for depositing a material on a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”). More specifically, the method and apparatus provide for selective heating of a surface of the wafer exposed to an electroless plating solution. The selective heating is provided by applying radiant energy to the wafer surface. The selective heating of the wafer surface causes a temperature increase at an interface between the wafer surface and the electroless plating solution. The temperature increase at the interface in turn causes a plating reaction to occur at the wafer surface. Thus, material is deposited on the wafer surface through an electroless plating reaction that is initiated and controlled by varying the temperature of the wafer surface using an appropriately defined radiant energy source.