Abstract: A method for electroplated metal annealing process. First, a semiconductor structure is provided, wherein the semiconductor structure have a plurality semiconductor components, such as a gate electrode, a source region and a drain region, and a field oxide region. Second, a dielectric layer is formed over the semiconductor structure, and a via which exposes a part of the semiconductor structure is formed in the dielectric layer by the use of the conventional lithographic and etching process, and an electroplated metal layer is formed over the dielectric layer; meanwhile, the via is filled with the electroplated metal layer. The electroplated metal layer then is annealed by a NH3 plasma process performed by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

Abstract: A surface treatment process for enhancing the resistance to intergranular corrosion and intergranular cracking of components fabricated from austenitic Ni—Fe—Cr based alloys comprising the application of surface deformation to the component, to a depth in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, for example by high intensity shot peening below the recrystallization temperature, followed by recrystallization heat treatment, preferably at solutionizing temperatures. The surface deformation and annealing process can be repeated to further optimize the microstructure of the near-surface region. Following the final heat treatment, the process optionally comprises the application of further surface deformation (work) of reduced intensity, yielding a worked depth of between 0.005 mm to 0.01 mm, to impart residual compression in the near surface region to further enhance cracking resistance.

Abstract: A silicon-germanium alloy of high crystal quality and containing uniform concentrations of dopant and germanium is formed by applying laser energy to a doped amorphous/polysilicon germanium layer overlying epitaxial silicon. Energy transferred from the laser beam causes melting of the germanium and the underlying silicon, resulting in diffusion of germanium and dopant into the melted silicon. Subsequent cooling and crystallization of the silicon/germanium/dopant melt produces a high quality crystal lattice uniformly incorporating germanium and dopant within its structure. Efficient energy transfer from the laser beam to the underlying germanium and silicon may be promoted by patterning an anti-reflective coating over the amorphous/polysilicon doped germanium prior to exposure to laser radiation. The process is particularly suited for forming the silicon-germanium base of a heterojunction bipolar transistor device.

Abstract: A method for laser shock peening an article by simultaneously firing low energy first and second laser beams to form pairs of longitudinally spaced apart first and second laser shock peened spots that are on opposite sides of the article, simultaneously laser shock peened, and transversely offset from each other. Each of the low energy first and second laser beams having a level of energy of between 1-10 joules.

Abstract: A method of laser shock peening a metallic part by firing a laser on a coated laser shock peening surface of the part which has been covered with an explosive coating containing at least one explosive ingredient. Two or more explosive ingredients having different shock sensitivities may be used and the laser beam is fired with sufficient power to explode at least some amount of each of the explosive ingredients.

Abstract: A uniquely surface-modified metallic part is provided by the utilization of microwave energy to promote diffusion of desired metals into the surface of the formed metallic part.

Abstract: An incore piping section maintenance system of a reactor comprises a maintenance system main body which is fixed to a maintenance target portion in a reactor pressure vessel or in the vicinity thereof to which a preventive-maintenance operation is executed, a support mechanism provided for the maintenance system main body so as to be movable in a reciprocal manner towards the maintenance target portion, a laser generator for generating a laser beam, a laser de-sensitization treatment apparatus which is rotatably supported around an axis of the support mechanism and which includes a laser irradiation section for irradiating the laser beam to the maintenance target portion, and an optical transmission element which guides the laser beam outputted from the laser generator to the laser de-sensitization treatment mechanism.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner surface of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: directing a laser beam against the inner barrel surface to cause melting of regions thereof; introducing a coating material in one of powder, wire and ribbon form into the laser beam for melting the coating material to produce in the surface regions a molten bath composed of the molten coating material and a material of the weapon barrel; and moving the laser beam inside the weapon barrel axially thereof and relative thereto, whereby the molten substance of the bath becomes rigid as the laser beam moves away therefrom.

Abstract: A method of corrosion protecting a tube having an end portion extending into a tube receiving hole of a mud drum of a boiler and the tube produced by that method. The end portion of the tube is provided with a corrosion resistant cladding layer which may contain chromium. Laser cladding is used to produce the corrosion resistant cladding layer, which advantageously tapers along a length of the end portion of the tube. The tube may be swaged before or after the cladding is applied and suitable heat treatments may be performed on the bare or clad tube to develop suitable properties in the tube, the cladding, or a tube-cladding interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed which allow uniform coatings to be applied by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on inner and outer surfaces of cylindrical objects, such as rods, pipes, tubes, and wires. The use of PLD makes this technique particularly suitable for complex multicomponent materials, such as superconducting ceramics. Rigid objects of any length, i.e., pipes up to a few meters, and with diameters from less than 1 centimeter to over 10 centimeters can be coated using this technique. Further, deposition is effected simultaneously onto an annular region of the pipe wall. This particular arrangement simplifies the apparatus, reduces film uniformity control difficulties, and can result in faster operation cycles. In addition, flexible wires of any length can be continuously coated using the disclosed invention.

Abstract: Clad sheet made up of a core sheet and a cladding layer on one or two core sheet surfaces. The core sheet is formed of an alloy having the composition (% by weight) Si: 0.7-1.3, Mg: 0.6-1.2, Cu: 0.5-1.1, Mn: 0.15-1.0, Zn<0.5, Fe<0.5, Zr<0.2, Cr<0.25, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total, the remainder aluminum. The cladding is formed of an AlZn alloy having a thickness of between 1 and 15% of the clad sheet thickness, having the composition (% by weight) Zn: 0.25-0.7, Fe<0.40, Si<0.40, Cu, Mn, Mg, V or Ti <0.10, other elements <0.05 each and 0.15 total.

Abstract: A tin layer and a nickel layer are stacked sequentially on a given substrate to form a multilayered film composed of the tin layer and the nickel layer. Then, laser beams are irradiated onto the multilayered film to form a tin-nickel alloy film, having stable phases composed of equilibrium phases such as Ni3Sn phase through the diffusion of the tin elements of the tin layer into the nickel layer.

Abstract: A process for producing wear-resistant edge layers in precipitation-hardenable materials wherein a component that was conventionally solution annealed and subsequently subjected to a conventional aging heat treatment is subjected to another short-time solution annealing affecting only the edge layer of the component, whereafter another aging heat treatment that evenly includes the interior of the component and its edge layer is carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of laser shock processing of a solid material. The method includes applying an energy absorbing coating to a portion of the surface of a solid material, applying an ultraviolet curable resin to the coated portion of the surface of the solid material, applying an ultraviolet light to the curable resin to form a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating on the surface of the solid material, and applying a transparent overlay to the pellicular portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shock wave. After the pulse of coherent energy is directed to the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid may be directed to the coated portion of the solid material to remove the remaining coating from the solid material.

Abstract: A laser repair method for a high gamma prime content Ni base superalloy substrate surface, with gamma prime content in the range of at least about 30 volume %, conducts the repair at ambient temperature without preheating the substrate surface and by controlling processing parameters to avoid cracking of the resulting weld bead during and after welding. The laser beam, operating in a power range of about 50-10000 watts per centimeter, is focused away from the substrate surface to provide a laser spot in the size range of about 0.03-0.2″. A relative movement between the substrate surface and the laser beam, for example at a rate in the range of about 1-100 inches per minute, provides an interaction time of no greater than about 10 seconds between the laser beam and the substrate surface. Concurrently, a repair alloy powder is deposited in the laser beam to melt and fuse the repair alloy powder into a molten repair alloy deposited on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A near-surface defect in a nickel-base superalloy article having a nil-ductility range is weld repaired with a low-power, directional, spatially confined heat source. During the weld repair procedure, the body of the article is maintained at room temperature. Simultaneously, the surface of the article is locally melted in the region of the near-surface defect using the heat source to form a melted region, and thereafter the melted region is allowed to solidify. The heat source produces a shallow weld pool that allows the near-surface defect to be floated to the surface in the case of an inclusion, or welded closed in the case of a surface crack or near-surface void.

Abstract: A multi-domained bulk REBa2CU3Ox with low-angle domain boundaries which resemble a quasi-single domained material and a method for producing the same comprising arranging multiple seeds, which can be small single crystals, single domained melt-textured REBa2CU3Ox pieces, textured substrates comprises of grains with low misorientation angles, or thick film REBa2CU3Ox deposited on such textured substrate, such seeds being tailored for various REBa2CU3Ox compounds, in specific pattern and relative seed orientations on a superconductor precursor material which may be placed in contact with a porous substrate so as to reduce the amount of liquid phase in the melt. Because seeds can be arranged in virtually any pattern, high quality REBa2CU3Ox elements of virtually unlimited size and complex geometry can be fabricated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for laser lap welding a pair of metal members together. At least one of the pair of metals having a protective metal layer. Each of the metal members having a melt temperature greater than the melt temperature of the protective metal layer. The method includes placing one end of the pair of metal members in an overlapping relation to an other end of the pair of metal members to form an overlapping section. The method also includes inserting a metal alloying agent between the pair of metal members of the overlapping section to form a gap therebetween. A laser welder is used to join the pair of metal members and the alloy agent together so that the protective metal layer and the alloying agent are melted to form an alloy layer between the pair of metal members.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to a process for forming a multilayer electrical device. The process includes providing a multilayer structure including layers of a dielectric material and an electrode material. The electrode material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of nickel and copper. A variety of dielectric materials may be used, such as barium titanate. The method also includes sintering the dielectric material by heating the structure using microwaves in an industrial nitrogen atmosphere, which contains an oxygen partial pressure of 10−2 to 10−12 atm.

Abstract: A laminate article consists of a substrate and a biaxially textured protective layer over the substrate. The substrate can be biaxially textured and also have reduced magnetism over the magnetism of Ni. The substrate can be selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron, aluminum, silver and alloys containing any of the foregoing. The protective layer can be selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and nickel and alloys containing any of the foregoing. The protective layer is also non-oxidizable under conditions employed to deposit a desired, subsequent oxide buffer layer. Layers of YBCO, CeO2, YSZ, LaAlO3, SrTiO3, Y2O3, RE2O3, SrRuO3, LaNiO3 and La2ZrO3 can be deposited over the protective layer. A method of forming the laminate article is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce a decorative appearance on the surface of a bumper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to create a decorative alloyed layer on the surface of a bumper.

Abstract: A tin layer and a nickel layer are stacked sequentially on a given substrate to form a multilayered film composed of the tin layer and the nickel layer. Then, laser beams are irradiated onto the multilayered film to form a tin-nickel alloy film, having stable phases composed of equilibrium phases such as Ni3Sn phase through the diffusion of the tin elements of the tin layer into the nickel layer.

Abstract: This marking method is carried out with an object to form a mark of high visibility on a surface of a metallic layer of such as a cover plate of a semiconductor device or the like without generating metallic debris or the like. According to this method, on a marking area of a metallic layer with a matte surface (Rmax: 0.5 to 5 &mgr;m), a laser beam is illuminated, thereby the metallic layer is melted, then re-solidified, thereby minute unevenness on the surface of the metallic layer is averaged and erased to be smooth. Thus formed marking portion reflects light specularly and is different in light reflectivity from an underlying portion which scatters light (diffuse reflection). Due to the difference of reflectivity, the marking portion can be visually discerned with excellency.

Abstract: A method of preparing a biaxially textured article comprises the steps of providing a metal preform, coating or laminating the preform with a metal layer, deforming the layer to a sufficient degree, and rapidly recrystallizing the layer to produce a biaxial texture. A superconducting epitaxial layer may then be deposited on the biaxial texture. In some embodiments the article further comprises buffer layers, electromagnetic devices or electro-optical devices.

Abstract: Embodiments include a process including providing a microwave radiation source and a processing chamber. The process includes generating a region of pure magnetic field from the microwave radiation in the processing chamber. A region of pure electric field from the microwave radiation is also generated. A material is positioned in the region of pure magnetic field while no portion of the material is positioned in the region of pure electric field, and the material is heated in the region of pure magnetic field. The heating may be conducted to sinter the material. The material may includes a metal.

Abstract: A method of repairing a metallic member, such as a superalloy turbine blade, includes the step of preparing the blade by stripping the protective coatings from the blade. The blade is then pre-conditioned for welding by a first hot isostatic process. Once the blade conditioning sequence is complete, the blade is welded using a laser welding technique and by adding weld fillers to the weld area. After the welding step, the blade is sealed by a second hot isostatic process treatment performed at conditions similar to the first hot isostatic process. The blade is finally prepared for re-entry into service.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for beam welding of hardenable steels using a short-time heat treatment. A preferred area of application of the invention is motor vehicle and mechanical engineering. In the method according to the invention, the short-time heat treatment occurs first as the sole preheating in a defined manner, and then the beam welding begins after a defined cooling time, at the latest.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a composite metal product by adding at least one substance to said product, which consists in using a metal product in the form of a continuous strip (1) moved in a vacuum chamber (2), applying the substance on said strip and diffusing said substance at least partially into the strip when it is passing in the vacuum chamber maintaining it at a temperature lower than its melting point, but sufficiently high for enabling said diffusion.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method of calculating the total laser energy needed to produce one or more selected laser induced surface modification reactions in a substrate moving relative to a laser beam. The present invention is further directed to a method for programming a programmable feedback control system with the calculated total laser energy such that the control system may be used to control laser beam power level and beam width in a process for producing a laser induced surface modification.

Abstract: The method for treating the internal surface of a gas bottle includes the following steps: a) an incident laser treatment beam is introduced into a bottle through its mouth, approximately along the axis of the bottle; b) the laser beam is deflected in the bottle onto the internal surface of the bottle; c) a relative rotation between the bottle and the deflected laser beam is made approximately about the axis of the bottle; and d) a relative displacement between the bottle and the deflected laser beam is made so as to scan most of the internal surface of the bottle with the deflected laser beam. The apparatus for treating a bottle is designed to implement the steps of the method.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for altering the magnetic properties of materials and the novel materials produced by these methods. The methods of this invention concern the application of high voltage, high frequency sparks to the surface of materials in order to alter the magnetic properties of the materials. Specially, the present invention can be applied to diamagnetic silicon to produce ferromagnetic spark-processed silicon.

Abstract: A cleaning solution for use in removing a damaged portion of a ferroelectric layer, and a cleaning method using the solution. The cleaning solution includes a fluoride, an organic acid with carboxyl group, an alkaline pH adjusting agent and water.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sliding component comprising a main body made of a non-carburized heat-hardened steel and a member adapted to form at least one sliding face of sliding faces of the sliding component and heat-joined to the main body, in which the steel-made main body is heat-hardened before heat-joining to the member and the heat-joining between the main body made of the heat-hardened steel and the member is conducted at a lower temperature than the temperature at which the heat-hardened main body has been heat-hardened. The sliding component is superior in hardness and abrasion resistance and is readily manufactured at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing wear-resistant boride layers on metal material surfaces. The process is characterized in that a boron halide selected from the group comprising boron trifluoride, boron tribromide, boron triiodide and their mixtures is mixed with hydrogen and optionally argon and/or nitrogen, in order to produce a reaction gas containing between 0.1 and 30 vol % boron halide. The resultant mixture is activated by a plasma discharge whereby boron is transferred from the plasma to the metal surface.

Abstract: A method for improving the fracture toughness for aluminum-based diffusion coatings by thermal spray means to simultaneously apply aluminum, chromium, boron, and/or silicon onto a steel workpiece, followed by heat treatment of the workpiece for a sufficient time to cause the aluminum, chromium, boron, and/or silicon to diffuse into the workpiece. The resulting diffusion coating demonstrates improved fracture toughness and does not necessitate the use of a slurry.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method for enhancing the wear resistance of an aluminum cylinder bore comprising laser alloying of the cylinder bore with selected precursors. The present invention is particularly well suited for enhancing the wear resistance caused by corrosion in an aluminum block engine comprising aluminum cylinder bores.

Abstract: An article and method for laser shock peening the article to form pairs of longitudinally spaced apart first and second laser shock peened spots that are on opposite sides of the article, simultaneously laser shock peened, and transversely offset from each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce alloyed bands or strips on the surface of a piston for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to produce superior wear resistant properties for an aluminum internal combustion engine piston.

Abstract: A method of aluminizing metals with a coating of aluminum or aluminides.

Abstract: A roughened bond coat comprises a screen that includes interwoven wires defining openings and a metallic material disposed on the screen. The screen and metallic material form a roughened bond coat possessing an uneven, undulated, and irregular surface. The metallic material may be one of a slurry and a powder, and applied by coating and spraying, respectively. A thermal barrier coating system, which is formed with and incorporates the roughened bond coat, exhibits greater adhesion of a thermal barrier coating and bond coat due to an increased interfacial surface area provided by the uneven, undulated, and irregular surface.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a steel. A metallic glass is formed and at least a portion of the glass is converted to a crystalline steel material having a nanocrystalline scale grain size. In another aspect, the invention encompasses another method of forming a steel. A molten alloy is formed and cooled the alloy at a rate which forms a metallic glass. The metallic glass is devitrified to convert the glass to a crystalline steel material having a nanocrystalline scale grain size. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses another method of forming a steel. A first metallic glass steel substrate is provided, and a molten alloy is formed over the first metallic glass steel substrate to heat and devitrify at least some of the underlying metallic glass of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves therethrough. The method includes controlling the incident angle &THgr; of the laser beam applied to the workpiece so that the required residual stresses are created in the workpiece. Particular methods of control such as lenses, polarizers, and particular transparent overlay geometries are shown. The apparatus includes structure for controlling the position and incident angle of the laser beam then controlling the polarization and/or the shape of the incident impact area, based on such incident angle &THgr; or thickness of the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for altering surface properties of a mass of metal alloy solder comprising a first metal and a second metal. The process comprises exposing the mass to energized ions to preferentially sputter atoms of the first metal to form a surface layer ratio of first metal to second metal atoms that is less than the bulk ratio. The solder may be located on the surface of a substrate, wherein the process may further comprise masking the substrate to shield all but a selected area from the ion beam. The sputtering gas may comprises a reactive gas such as oxygen and the substrate may be an organic substrate. The process may further comprise simultaneously exposing the organic substrate to energized ions of the reactive gas to roughen the organic substrate surface.

Abstract: A target is laser shock peened by directing against an ablative coating thereon a laser beam pulse having a fluence, duration, and corresponding peak power effective for ablating the coating to form a plasma and shock wave therein. The plasma is confined adjacent the target to plastically deform the target by the shock wave to develop residual compressive stress therein. The pulse has a duration less than ten nanoseconds and a corresponding peak power for increasing coupling efficiency between the pulse and plasma.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of a railroad track part, in particular a large points part, with rail parts such as a frog point and connecting rails, and the track part obtained. The track part is made of materials of differing composition, one of which is a carbon steel and one of which is an austenitic manganese steel, which are connected by welding and are subsequently subjected to a joint heat treatment. To permit joining of the materials without negative effects on their properties, the parts are joined directly by electron beam welding or indirectly via an intermediate layer comprising a nickel-based alloy, the joined parts then being heated to a temperature T and held over a time t such that for the austenitic manganese steel, solution annealing takes place, and for the carbon steel, austenitizing takes place.

Abstract: High energy flux infrared heaters are used to treat an object having a surface section and a base section such that a desired characteristic of the surface section is physically, chemically, or phasically changed while the base section remains unchanged.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment for welded products by pulse impact energy, preferably ultrasonic, at original production, during the active life period for maintenance and after failure in a repair stage to improve the strength at the weld sites and to fashion stress patterns that reduce stress centers and micro-stress defects. The basic method steps are nondestructive in nature, inducing interior pulse compression waves that temporarily plasticize the metal to relax stresses and redistribute stress patterns in a gradient of metallic grain structure between a higher strength substantially grainless white layer at the weld seam to an internal base metal region in the welded body. Thus, a renewed longer life span and higher strength weld joint regions are generated in welded products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing microcracks in the metal of a railway track. A high power laser, or equivalent energy beam generator, is moved along a track. The high power laser directs an intense beam of energy towards microcracks in the rail, a vapour space is formed in the metal of the rail, and as the laser beam moves on, the metal resolidifies and repairs the microcracks. Fusible metal may be applied to the vapour space to improve the strength and control the microstructure of the solidified metal. Pre-heating and controlled quenching may improve the crystalline microstructure of the metal after the vapour space has been formed, and, if necessary, the rail may be ground to a smooth finish. A plurality of repaired regions having deep roots are locked in the rail using unaffected metal between them.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a product that includes a metallic basic body with at least one longitudinal duct disposed therein and with a number of transverse ducts branching off from the longitudinal duct. A covering layer lies on the outside of the basic body. The covering layer serves as a protective or adhesive layer. An enrichment layer covers walls of the longitudinal duct and of the transverse ducts and parts of the covering layer. A ceramic heat-insulating layer can also be provided on the outside.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a tool body and cutters metallurgically bonded to the tool body. The cutters are formed from laser to the tool body, with each cutter having a cutting edge formed thereon.