Abstract: Provided is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground and a support, where the substrate is ground to a very small thickness and can then be separated from the support without damaging the substrate. One embodiment of the present invention is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground, a joining layer in contact with the substrate to be ground, a photothermal conversion layer comprising a light absorbing agent and a heat decomposable resin, and a light transmitting support. After grinding the substrate surface which is opposite that in contact with the joining layer, the laminated body is irradiated through the light transmitting layer and the photothermal conversion layer decomposes to separate the substrate and the light transmitting support.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a head that includes a tool surface configured to mount an electronic component, an ultrasonic bonding unit configured to ultrasonically bond the electronic component with a substrate, and a wiping unit configured to wipe out pre-cured underfill that has adhered to the tool surface of the head, by using a wiping member on a wiping table. The wiping unit includes a solvent supply unit configured to supply a solvent configured to powder the underfill, to the wiping member on the wiping table, a sealed cartridge configured to house the wiping table and a feed mechanism configured to supply the wiping member to the wiping table and to roll up the wiping member from the wiping table, and a cartridge support member that includes a motor configured to drive the feed mechanism, and is detachably attached to the cartridge.

Abstract: A lamination shaping apparatus has a powder layer preparing means and an optical unit which irradiates a light beam to an intended portion of a powder layer so as to sinter or melt for solidifying the portion into a cured layer. Preparation of the powder layer and curing of the cured layer are repeated to fabricate a three-dimensional object in which a plurality of the cured layers are laminated and integrated. The apparatus includes a fixed base carrying thereon the powder layer and the cured layer, an elevator frame surrounding a periphery of the fixed base, and driving means for driving the elevator frame to move vertically. The powder layer is formed within a space above the base and surrounded by an interior surface of the elevator fame such that the powder layer (cured layer) can be stacked on the base with the base being kept at a fixed position, thereby facilitating to fabricate a precisely shaped object.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to methods, materials, and equipment for manufacturing a signs. Some embodiments of the present application relate to methods of manufacturing a digitally printed, multi-panel sign. Some embodiments of the present application relate to a laminator for use in laminating optically active sheeting to a substrate.

Abstract: In a board cleaning method for dry cleaning of connection sites on resin-based boards, one or more gases selected from a group consisting of gas that contains a hydrogen element and gas that contains a fluorine element are supplied at least to the connection sites, plasma is generated from the supplied gas, and the boards are cleaned by radicals and ions that are produced by the generated plasma.

Abstract: The authentication process comprises: a step of transferring a holographic matrix onto a base, a step of marking the holographic matrix by laser shot, in order to produce a digital code that cannot be interpreted by the human eye, preserving the optical diffraction properties of the holographic matrix, and designed to enable the detection of a copy of a document realized using the holographic matrix. Preferentially, during the marking step, the impact of each laser shot presents a greater dimension and a depth allowing the hologram's optical diffraction properties to be preserved.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises at least two material pieces, at least one being a sheet of paper having a coating thereon, and an object such as a disc positioned between the material pieces. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. Additionally, the system includes a die press to create a heat-seal fusing the material pieces, forming a pocket therebetween containing the disc. The die press may be heated, thereby causing the coating to melt and create a seal between the material pieces. The disc is substantially surrounded by the heat-seal. Further, the system may include access means formed in at least one of the material pieces to allow for access to and retrieval of the disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a percutaneous terminal having a substrate thereof flocked with fibers having bio-affinity, and thereby being able to adhere tightly to a living body, a medical instrument to be placed in the body, and a production method and a production apparatus of the percutaneous terminal and the medical instrument to be placed in the body. The percutaneous terminal according to the present invention is one which the surface of the substrate is flocked with bio-affinitive short fibers (e.g. hydroxyapatite complex particles), therefore the bio-affinitive short fibers are risen perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. As a result, an area of the bio-affinitive short fibers coating a unit area of the substrate of the percutaneous terminal to the unit area of the percutaneous terminal substrate is considerably elevated and, in its turn, the adhesiveness of the percutaneous terminal to biological tissues is improved.

Abstract: A plurality of thermoplastic articles are superimposed against a support, an infrared transparent solid is superimposed to form a superimposed body and infrared is irradiated to the superimposed body from the side of the infrared transparent solid. For the irradiation source, an Er: YAG laser or fiber laser is used. The interface temperature of the thermoplastic article becomes relatively lower and a high temperature region can be developed within the superimposed body due to the infiltration of laser energy. As a result, degradation of the surface configuration due to thermal damages in the infrared irradiation side surface layer of the thermoplastic articles can be suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for permanently joining integrated circuits (1) to at least one substrate (2) arranged therebelow, by means of an adhesive (3) which is arranged therebetween and around the edges of the integrated circuits (1), wherein, in order to cure the adhesive (3), light (19) with a wavelength selected from a wavelength range of 280-900 nm is applied to the upper side and/or underside of the arrangement consisting of the substrate (2) and one of the integrated circuits (1), in order to polymerize the adhesive (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the corona treatment of flat material (30) using a cylindrical transport electrode (1) that can be rotated in such a way as to transport the flat material, a treatment electrode (2a,b) which is arranged opposite the transport electrode (1) and defines a treatment gap (31) for the flat material (30), a high-voltage source (4) for applying a high-frequency electrical voltage to the treatment electrode (2a, b), and sheet holders (11) which are arranged on the envelope side of the transport electrode (1) and used to receive the edges of sheets of flat materials (30). The inventive device is characterized by a treatment device (12) wherein blowing means (22, 23) are embodied or arranged in front of, and behind, at least one treatment electrode (2a, 2b), in the direction of transport (32).

Abstract: A product sheet of composite material can be made by disposing composite materials of composite material in adjacent (side-by-side) relation with each other. The composite materials comprise fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The adjacent composite materials are bonded together to provide a product sheet of composite material. Preferably, a cross ply of composite material is disposed on the composite materials. The cross ply may be a unidirectional sheet and the fibers in the cross ply may be disposed in transverse relation to the fibers in the composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser processing method that makes it possible to effectively suppress the generation of surface irregularities on the surface of a plastic member where a metal member and a plastic member are joined together. In the laser processing method, a plurality of laser beams are irradiated from different directions so as to focus on the vicinity of an interface between the metal member and the plastic member, which are in contact with one another. The power densities of the respective laser beams at this time are set to a level not more than a level, at which the exposed surface of the plastic member on the side opposite to the interface between the metal member and the plastic member, does not melt. As a result of this, air bubbles or the like are not generated in the vicinity of the exposed surface of the plastic member, and the generation of surface roughness on the exposed surface of the plastic member is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: An hermetic sealing apparatus is discussed. The apparatus may include one or more of the following a glass mask disposed on an upper surface of a first substrate, a support member disposed on an upper surface of the glass mask, a laser irradiation member positioned spaced on the upper surface of the glass mask, a plurality of lower support members disposed in a contour region of a lower surface of the second substrate, and pressing members disposed on a lower surface of the lower support members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for plasma-assisted processing multiple work pieces in a manufacturing line. The manufacturing line can include a plurality of microwave cavities, each of the microwave cavities igniting and sustaining a microwave plasma. Work pieces can be shuttled between the plurality of microwave cavities on a conveyance system that controls the positioning of each of the work pieces.

Abstract: A fused loop of an elongated material, such as a surgical suture, and apparatus for making the loop are described. Portions of one or more segments of elongated material may be fused in an ultrasonic welding process to form a welded joint. Multiple materials each with different a different melting point may be used for one or more fibers within the elongated material. The elongated material may include a sheath, which may be used to protect a core within the elongated material. A fused region of the fused loop may be formed when a material with a lower melting temperature, compared to one or more other materials in the elongated material, is caused to melt. A related ultrasonic welding apparatus may include a temperature sensor for control of the welding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying labels to containers. In one embodiment according to the invention, the process of applying the labels to the container is carried out by means of a laser unit. In another embodiment according to the invention, a cutting unit is provided for the apparatus, which cutting unit likewise uses a laser and is arranged at least partially inside a cutting roller. In preferred embodiments, the complete application process, i.e. in particular including the bonding of the end sections of the label, is carried out by means of the laser unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including covering a portion of at least one semiconductor device with a foil, including covering at least one target region of the semiconductor device, and illuminating the foil with a laser to singulate from the foil a portion covering the at least one target region of the at least one semiconductor device.

Abstract: A system is provided for joining fabrics by lines or arrays of dots of adhesive, the system comprising: a blue light source; a dispenser, disposed proximally with the blue light source, the dispensing system being configured to deposit at least one drop of a monomer on first and second proximate fabric surfaces; a conveyance whereby the light source and the dispensing system change position relative to the first and second fabric surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for glueing together the wrap of an endless tow of filter material in the manufacture of cigarette filters, with an application station for hot melt adhesive, in which hot melt adhesive is applied to the flat endless web of the wrap, a wrapping station, in which the endless web is laid around the endless tow of filter material, a pre-heating station, in which the hot melt adhesive on the endless web is pre-heated to a preset temperature, while the wrap is brought into immediate contact with a heating surface in the region where adhesive is applied, and with a cooling station, in which the hot melt adhesive is cured, wherein a cooling apparatus is assigned to the pre-heating station, which causes a cooling of the heating surface when the temperature on the heating surface exceeds a preset value.

Abstract: A bonding structure according to the present invention includes: a ceramic member including a hole; a terminal embedded in the ceramic member and including an exposed surface exposed to a bottom portion of the hole; a brazed bond layer formed in contact with the exposed surface of the terminal; and a connecting member inserted in the hole, and bonded to the terminal via the brazed bond layer. An inner diameter of the hole is larger than an outer diameter of the connecting member. A clearance is formed between the hole and the connecting member when the connecting member is inserted in the hole. A braze pool space is formed in a surface of the hole and has a substantially semicircular shape in a cross-sectional plane. The braze pool space is partially filled with a braze material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a flexible plate on the substrate; forming an electrophoretic layer on the flexible plate; forming a transparent protection layer on the electrophoretic layer; forming an edge protection member between the flexible plate and the transparent protection member, the edge protection member surrounding the electrophoretic layer; and providing a laser beam to irradiate the flexible plate from a side of the substrate facing away from flexible plate, so as to release the substrate from the flexible plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonding structure, including: a ceramic member including a hole; a terminal embedded in the ceramic member, an exposed surface exposed to a bottom portion of the hole, and made of a refractory metal having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially equal to a thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic member; a brazed bond layer including a first tantalum layer in contact with the exposed surface of the terminal, a gold layer formed on the first tantalum layer, and a second tantalum layer formed on the gold layer; and a connecting member inserted in the hole, bonded to the terminal via the brazed bond layer, and made of a refractory metal having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic member.

Abstract: A first transport system moves a web comprising a subgasketed CCM layer and an application system applies a crosslinkable resin to at least a subgasketed portion of the subgasketed CCM layer. The crosslinkable resin preferably comprises a photocurable cationic crosslinkable resin. A first curing apparatus subjects an exposed surface of the crosslinkable resin to a photo curing process to initiate curing of the crosslinkable resin. A second transport system moves a GDL into adhering contact with a partially cured exposed surface of the crosslinkable resin of the CCM layer so as to form an MEA layer. A second curing apparatus subjects the GDL, partially cured crosslinkable resin, and CCM layer structure to a thermal curing process to substantially complete curing of the crosslinkable resin. A converting system is configured to receive the MEA layer and produce a plurality of discrete MEAs from the MEA layer.

Abstract: An electrode bonding method according to the present invention includes: a plasma cleaning step of irradiating an electrode surface to be cleaned of at least either one of a part, such as a semiconductor device, and a substrate with atmospheric pressure plasma for cleaning; an inert gas atmosphere maintaining step of covering the electrode surface to be cleaned and its vicinity with a first inert gas before the irradiation of the atmospheric pressure plasma is ended, and maintaining that state even thereafter; and a bonding step of bonding an electrode of the part and an electrode on the substrate before the inert gas atmosphere maintaining step is ended. The electrode surface is thereby plasma-cleaned without the possibility of damaging the part to be bonded to the substrate, and the cleaned state is maintained while bonding the electrodes to provide an electrode bonding state of high bonding force and high reliability.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular product comprising the steps of: i) arranging a laser absorbent component at a first side of a subject material which is non-laser absorbent, ii) forming the subject material into a tubular shape in which a first portion overlies a second portion and the absorbent component is arranged therebetween, and iii) directing laser light adapted to be absorbed by the laser absorbent component through the first portion and at the laser absorbent component, such that a weld is formed which results in said first portion and said second portion being affixed together.

Abstract: A way of using nylon or plastic materials for creative art by a device for melting the nylon or plastic materials up to a degree of melting or partially melting all or part of the materials and applying them on nylon, plastic, canvas or any other desired surface, creating drawings or sculptures with different depths and or three dimensions forms. The melting of the nylon or plastic might be externally or internally to the device with a nozzle or head of a brush with various shaped and sizes to assist the application of the melted or partially melted plastic or nylon.

Abstract: A preformed laminate is provided having first and second outer layers that sandwich a cellular or honeycomb shaped core. The peripheral edge of the preformed laminate may be inserted into the heating apparatus having one or more heating elements surrounded by a reflective back panel and one or more heat shields, which function to focus heat onto the peripheral edge. Once heated, the peripheral edge of the preformed laminate may then be inserted into a molding press having one or more adjustable pinch rails for forming the peripheral edge of the laminate into an enclosed pallet.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for irradiation welding of two thermoplastic components, a local temperature maximum, which circulates together with the laser beam and increases from cycle to cycle, and a correspondingly circulating, locally increased clamping pressure are generated in the area of joining.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a substrate assembly by applying a force to the assembly while simultaneously exposing the substrate assembly, and in particular a sealing material disposed between two substrates of the substrate assembly, to an irradiating beam of electromagnetic energy. The beam heats, cures and/or melts the sealing material, depending upon the sealing material to form the seal. The force is applied by directing a flow of fluid against the substrate assembly, and beneficially improves contact between the substrates of the substrate assembly and the sealing material during the sealing process, therefore assisting in achieving a hermetic seal between the substrates.

Abstract: Objective lens 20 is placed above the bobbin 40 at a position opposite to the light emitting end of the light guiding member, and the fixing portions 31 provided appropriately between the objective lens 20 and the lens support 41 are hardened in a short time because of being exposed to a UV hardening light beam which is selectively irradiated onto the fixing portions, or the intensity of which has been reduced to the wavelength region in which optical characteristics of the objective lens are practically deteriorated, in order to reduce the deterioration in the transmission characteristics in the wavelength range at which the optical elements are to be used, when fixing optical elements such as a plastic objective lens, etc., are used with a UV hardening type of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio frequency welding apparatus for joining multiple layers of thermoplastic materials. The apparatus includes an electrical voltage source that is electrically connected to a radio frequency energy generator. The apparatus also includes a first die and a second die that are configured to form a tooling capacitor when thermoplastic sheets to be welded are positioned between them. The tooling capacitor is electrically connected to the radio frequency energy generator and the dielectric includes a thermoplastic sheet. A processor is electrically connected to the voltage source and is configured to monitor an electrical property applied to the electric circuit and vary voltage supplied to the radio frequency generator such that the electrical property approaches a predetermined value. The radio frequency energy generator is configured to provide energy to the tooling capacitor such the energy can be controlled as the voltage is controlled.

Abstract: A process for producing a diffractive light guiding element by a continuous, single-stage reel-to-reel method, an apparatus suitable for carrying out the process and a light guiding element obtainable by the process.

Abstract: A transfer layer on a surface of a mold has a thickness distribution along the radius direction that the layer is thick in an inner round portion but is gradually thinner toward an outer round portion. An adhesive layer is formed between a surface of a signal substrate which bears a signal recording film and the mold which seats the transfer layer. The adhesive layer has a thickness distribution that the layer is thin in an inner round portion but is gradually thicker toward an outer round portion. Since the thickness distributions along the radius direction of the transfer layer and the adhesive layer are opposite to each other, the thickness distribution of an isolation layer which comprises the two layers is uniform.

Abstract: A base plate (31) and an ultraviolet curing type waveguide material (32) are interposed between a pair of films (41, 42), a portion between the pair of films is decompressed or an external pressure is applied to the films, thereby laminating the ultraviolet curing type waveguide material on the base plate, and at the same time, ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the ultraviolet curing type waveguide material through the films to cure the waveguide material.

Abstract: A pressure membrane, a method and a laminator for laminating components, in particular solar cell modules or laminated glass plates, through the combined application of pressure and heat. The laminator includes at least one laminating chamber that accommodates one or more component stacks, the chamber having a component support and at least one heating device. Each heating device is made up of at least one heating element. At least one elastic and/or flexible pressure membrane is clamped in pressure-tight fashion in the chamber above the component support and is movable relative thereto. The pressure membrane divides a lower chamber part from an upper chamber part. At least the lower chamber part is capable of being sealed in airtight fashion and is capable of being evacuated and ventilated. The at least one heating element is provided integrally with the pressure membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining holograms and/or optical effects on a laminar material is provided. A die provided with an original pattern of a hologram or corresponding to a configuration that can provide an optical effect, is used by a superimposing and pressing on a lacquer layer applied on a laminar substrate, and the lacquer layer on said laminar substrate is cured. The method comprises providing the die as a continuous band on which the mentioned pattern is configured; dynamically superimposing said lacquer layer applied to the laminar substrate to said die on a support roller, and dynamically pressing the lacquer layer applied to the laminar substrate against the die on said support roller by means of a pressure roller.

Abstract: A covering is provided for exterior or interior application on solid surfaces such as garage floors, patios, and walkways. The covering is formed as tiles formed of a top layer of fibrous material, such as carpet, and a bottom layer of adhesive applied in spaced bands, lines, strips or rows that allow the tile to be removed from the surface after installation if desired. A release sheet, preferably formed of plural pieces, is secured over the adhesive for removal during installation. A portion of the release sheet can function as a positioning strip to assist in accurately placing the tiles. The covering is manufactured by coating the bottom surface of a strip of material in beads of adhesive, smoothing the beads into bands, lines, strips or rows, and then cutting the strip into tiles using a non-mechanical cutter such as a laser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mandrel for use in Radio Frequency welding, wherein the mandrel comprises first and second conductive portions separated by an insulating material, such that different potentials may be applied to the first and second conductive portions. Also disclosed is a method of RF welding and a method of manufacturing a mandrel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a device for forming a weld joint at the connecting surfaces between two parts. At the connecting surfaces a heatable element is provided, during warm-up the two parts approach each other, and the heatable element is also moved or positioned depending on the movement or position of the parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding stacks of flat components, in particular paper pads and books, having a binding agent applicator for applying liquid binding agent along a narrow side of the stack by moving the narrow side of the stack and the binding agent applicator relative to each other. The binding agent applicator has a slotted nozzle which extends at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the direction of the relative motion and is provided for dispensing binding agent that is curable by radiation. A radiation source for curing the binding agent is positioned adjacent to the binding agent applicator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to package flip chip molded matrix array package. An ultraviolet (UV) curable tape is laminated on die backside of a strip of array of flip chips. The UV curable tape has an adhesive strength. The strip of flip chip arrays is molded with a mold film. The molded strip of flip chip array is irradiated using UV radiation. In another embodiment, a double functional tape is mounted to backside of a wafer. The double functional tape includes a binding tape and a ultraviolet (UV) curable tape having an adhesive strength. The wafer is singulated into die. The die is attached to a substrate strip to form a strip of array of flip chips. The strip is molded with a mold film. The molded strip is irradiated using UV radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for laminating glass articles without using an autoclave. The sandwich structure to be laminated is preheated than is placed in a controllable vacuum and subjected to electromagnetic radiation with specified frequencies and power. The final heating is provided by convectional heat source. Pressure that is applied continuously during the radiating, heating and cooling steps is also specified for achieving an appropriate bond. An apparatus appropriate for realizing the invented process is also provided. The apparatus includes a loading table, three furnaces, and a cooling chamber which are adjusted to and adjoined to each to other. These parts provide the necessary conditions for high-quality laminating simple and multi-sandwich structures with high production rate and efficiency. The apparatus is inexpensive and fits into the space of two glass article lengths.

Abstract: A lower half (102) and an upper half (103) are plastic components having thermoplasticity. A welding head (1) having a plurality of convex portions formed in a circumferential direction, the convex portions extending in a longitudinal direction within a range of a predetermined length, is inserted so as to span a lower boss (107) and an upper boss (110) in a joint portion (105). The plastic in the joint portion (105) is melted by means of the welding head (1). The lower half (102) and the upper half (103) are welded to and integrated with each other by solidifying the molten plastic.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a surface treatment apparatus for printed sheets that is capable of securely preventing radiation of UV rays onto printed sheets when out of use, while efficiently radiating UV rays onto printed sheets when in use. There is provided a surface treatment apparatus that includes a varnishing section for applying UV cure resin varnish on a printed sheet in a printed sheet conveying path; a cylinder for conveying a printed sheet with the UV cure resin varnish applied thereon at the varnishing section; a film pressing part for pressing a transfer film onto a printed sheet on the cylinder; and a UV radiation part for curing UV cure resin varnish of a printed sheet onto which the transfer film is being pressed by the film pressing part.

Abstract: An improved process of adhering a film to a carrier substrate, including cards of any type, provides a carrier comprising the card, including the information printed on the card, and any other flat objects provided with the card, and provides a film, wherein a transparent adhesive is disposed between the film and the carrier, either as a separate layer, or incorporated into the side of the film facing the carrier. Once the adhesive is brought into contact with the carrier and the film, irradiation from an electromagnetic wave source, including a light source, and further including an ultraviolet light source is applied to the assemblage to cause the adhesive to set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conforming a functionalized flexible planar film on an optical lens. The apparatus according to the invention may also be used in a process of functionalization of an optical lens. As a factor of the functionalization that one wishes to introduce into said optical lens and the nature of the functionalized flexible planar film used, the functionalization process is a process of gluing, transfer, or molding of a functionalized flexible planar film onto an optical lens. The implementation of each of these respective processes makes it possible to obtain a functionalized optical lens, said functionalization being adhered, transferred, or molded using a functionalized flexible planar film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic recording medium having superior startup operation and durability as well as satisfactory surface lubricity. The present invention relates to a production process of a magnetic recording medium in which at least a magnetic layer, a protective film layer and a lubricant layer are sequentially laminated on a non-magnetic substrate, wherein the protective film layer is surface treated using a gas activated by plasma generated at a pressure in the vicinity of atmospheric pressure. The present invention also relates to a magnetic recording medium produced according to the aforementioned production process.

Abstract: A clamp holds together at least two superposed, flexible polymeric films while they are optically sealed or cut by at least a laser beam. The clamp is comprised of two jaws wherein at least one of the jaws can be moved to allow a closing and an opening of the clamp. One of the jaws is a contact jaw to bring the films into contact. The other jaw is an optical jaw having an optical window to let at least one laser beam pass through it and wherein the window is wide enough to allow to optically seal or cut the whole width of the films if required. A support mechanism interconnects the jaws and allows a controlled opening and closing of the clamp.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for and a method of bonding a nano-tip using electrochemical etching, in which a good bonding stability can be provided. The nano-tip bonding apparatus comprises a glass plate having a top surface of a certain desired area. An electrolytic solution having conductivity is placed on the top surface of the glass plate by means of surface tension. Means for moving reciprocally a base material having conductivity in opposite direction is provided. A carbon nano-tube is adhered to a pointed tip of the base material by means of an adhesive. An end portion of the carbon nano-tube is to be immersed in the electrolytic solution. A power supply is provided for applying an electric power to the electrolytic solution and the base material.