Abstract: A method and system are described aimed at substantially increasing the lifetime of sensitive optical elements subjected to high power laser radiation. The lifetime enhancement is accomplished by spatially distributing the laser beam spots both globally and locally according to algorithms that are custom tailored to the subject element as well as the system and application needs. The methods of the invention are particularly well-suited to non-linear crystals used to convert radiation from high repetition rate, diode-pumped laser systems into the UV spectral range, where lifetime requirements are particularly challenging. The methods of the invention further enable effective utilization of available experimental data characterizing the element's performance in combination with a stored library of preferred spot scanning patterns that may be executed on the surface of the element according to the selected algorithm.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for adjusting the twist of an air bearing surface of at least one slider to substantially match a target values for twist, the at least one slider having a back surface opposite the air bearing surface, the back surface including two sets of diagonally opposite corner regions, with each set including one corner region adjacent to a leading edge of the slider and one corner region adjacent to a trailing edge of the slider. The method includes forming a first mechanical scribe on the back surface extending through at least a portion of the corner regions adjacent to the leading edge of the slider and forming a second mechanical scribe on the back surface extending through at least a portion of the corner regions adjacent to the trailing edge of the slider.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: Methods for the use of laser beams in the case of plastic monofilaments are proposed. For structural modifying monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, the monofilament to be structurally modified is extruded with LS-absorbing additives and subsequently treated with laser beams.

Abstract: The present invention involves an applique for applying a fabric pattern to an object. The applique comprises a laminate having an outer periphery to define a first predetermined shape corresponding to the fabric pattern and has etches formed adjacent the periphery to simulate an appearance of stitching. In one embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with a periphery, wherein the bottom fabric layer periphery corresponds to the outer periphery. The top fabric layer is a strip attached to the bottom layer, wherein the top fabric layer is disposed adjacent the outer periphery. The laminate has etches formed on the top fabric layer so that the top fabric layer simulates the appearance of stitching. In another embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer has a second predetermined shape. The top fabric layer is attached to the bottom fabric layer and disposed inward from the outer periphery.

Abstract: Methods for the use of laser beams in the case of plastic monofilaments are proposed. For the optical marking of extruded monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, at least the monofilament to be marked, accompanied by the addition of additives reacting with a color change under laser action, are extruded and treated with laser beams in the areas corresponding to the desired marking.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating a customized, three-dimensional, bioerodable, polymeric prosthetic implant are provided. In a highly preferred embodiment, the prosthetic implant has a porous network. The method employs a sterolithography instrument, a solution comprising chains of one or more photocurable, bioerodable polymers and a photoinitiator, and a three-dimensional CAD image. In a highly preferred embodiment, the solution comprises poly (propylene) fumarate (PPF) and a solvent for controlling the viscosity of the solution. During the fabrication process, the solution is placed in a container in the stereolithography instrument. The container also holds a movable build platen for supporting each of the covalently bonded layers of the polymeric prosthetic implant that are formed when successive layers of the solution are exposed to UV light energy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure and a through hole forming device used in the manufacture of the honeycomb structure are provided, in which the step of closing a part of the cell ends at an end surface of the honeycomb structure is rationalized. In closing a part of the cell ends (82) at the end surface (861) of a honeycomb structure body (86), a film (2) is attached to the end surface (861) of the honeycomb structure body (86) in such a manner as to cover the cell ends (82). The portion of the film (2) located at the cell ends (82) to be closed is thermally melted or burnt off thereby to form through holes (20). The end surface (861) is dipped in a slurry containing an end surface closing material, so that the slurry is caused to enter the cell ends (82) by way of the through holes (20). After that, the slurry is hardened while at the same time removing the resin film (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for linking two adjacent plastic work pieces (2, 3). The inventive method is characterized in that the intended contact zone (K) of at least one of the two work pieces (2) with which the latter adjoins to the other work piece (3) is at least partially subjected to a high-energy radiation to such an extent that the glass transition temperature is reduced in a marginal zone (R). The two work pieces (2, 3) are brought in the desired position relative to each other. For establishing the connection of the two work pieces (2, 3) at least the marginal zone (R) modified by the previous radiation process is heated at least in its surface area to a temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the marginal zone (R) modified by the radiation process but lower than the glass transition temperature of the zones of the work pieces (2, 3) that have not been modified.

Abstract: A metal mold 110 is prepared, which has a gate 120, a cavity 134 in which a virtual curve L1 is formed, which forms at least a welding target part of a laser beam transmitting member along the virtual curve L1, and in which a filling terminal wall 134b is formed along a curve L2 parallel to the virtual curve L1, and a throttle part 132b for reducing the flow of a resin flowing from the gate 120 toward the cavity 134, which is connected to the cavity 134, and whose connection boundary B1 is formed along a curve L3 parallel to the virtual curve L1. Then, a resin is injected into the gate 120 and a crystalline laser beam transmitting member is molded out of the injected resin using the metal mold 110.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a detector or light guide using laser technology. The method yields a detector component such as a scintillator, light guide or optical sensor which provides for the internal manipulation of light waves via the strategic formation of micro-voids to enhance control and collection of scintillation light, allowing for accurate decoding of the impinging radiation. The method uses laser technology to create micro-voids within a target media to optically segment the media. The micro-voids are positioned to define optical boundaries of the optically-segmented portions forming virtual resolution elements within the scintillator. Each micro-void is formed at its selected location using a laser source. The laser source generates and focuses a beam of light into the target media sequentially to form the micro-voids. The laser beam ablates the media at the focal point, thereby yielding the micro-void.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resinous product in which a second mold component 30 is fitted into an engagement hole 24 of a first mold component 20 includes a molding process for molding the laser beam-transparent first mold component 20 and the laser beam-absorbent second mold component 30, respectively, with resin, an engagement process for fitting the second mold component 30 into an engagement hole 24 formed in the first mold component 20 during the molding process to form an annular closed space 50 extending in the circumferential direction of the engagement hole 24 in the engagement boundary between the engagement hole 24 and the second mold component 30, and a welding process for irradiating the laser beam along a path L1 penetrating the second mold component 30 and reaching the first mold component 20 while passing through the closed space 50 so that the first and second mold components 20 and 30 are welded and fixed with each other.

Abstract: An encapsulation method for sensitive composition is provided in which a film, in particular a plastic film, is laminated over the entire surface of an arrangement having a component mounted on a carrier in a flip chip construction. For additional sealing and mechanical stabilization, a plastic compound in liquid form is subsequently applied and hardened so as to surround the chip. Optionally, before the application of the plastic compound, the film can be removed in the area of structuring lines in such a way that the plastic compound can come into contact both with the carrier and with the chip surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling thermal loading of an electronic component material during ablation thereof provides a first laser light beam 42 at a certain power density and fluence and uses the first laser light beam to remove a portion of a first side 47 of the material 36. A second laser light beam 44 is provided at a certain power density and fluence and the second laser light beam is used to remove a portion of a side 49 of the material opposing the first side thereof substantially simultaneously as the portion of the first side is being removed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic bodies having a construction such that cells are alternately sealed at one but not both end surfaces of a ceramic honeycomb structural body by filling a sealing slurry into predetermined cells at both end surfaces of a ceramic honeycomb formed body and sintering the ceramic honeycomb formed body, is performed by: forming a mask for respective ceramic honeycomb formed bodies by arranging a sheet on an end surface of the ceramic honeycomb formed body and piercing holes in the sheet at positions corresponding to the predetermined cells; immersing an end portion of the ceramic honeycomb formed body to which the mask is arranged into the sealing slurry; and filling the sealing slurry into the cells through the holes pierced in the mask.

Abstract: The wavefront aberrator of the present invention includes a pair of transparent windows, or plates, separated by a layer of monomers and polymerization initiator, including a broad class of epoxies. This monomer exhibits a variable index of refraction across the layer, resulting from controlling the extent of its curing. Curing of the epoxy may be made by exposure to light, such as ultraviolet light. The exposure to light may be varied across the surface of the epoxy to create a particular and unique refractive index profile.

Abstract: A method of removing selected portions of material from a base material using a plurality of different depth cuts (e.g., using laser cutting) such that apertured sections (or segments) are expeditiously removed for eventual use with another component or otherwise. In one example, the segmented section so removed can be used to bond various elements of an electronic package which in turn can then be positioned and used within an information handling system such as a computer, server, mainframe, etc.

Abstract: A plurality of feedthrough holes are efficiently formed on the present invention by splitting a laser beam emitted from a laser source into plural laser beams by allowing the beam to pass through a diffraction grating, followed by simultaneously forming a plurality of the feedthrough holes on the ceramic green sheet by irradiating the ceramic green sheet with the split laser beam.

Abstract: A freeform fabrication method for fabricating a 3-D multi-material or multi-color object from successive layers of a primary body-building powder, at least a modifier material and a binder powder in accordance with a computer-aided design of the object.

Abstract: A matrix is formed into a desired shape by pouring transparent liquid material into a mold. The material progresses from the liquid to the gelatinous state. Laser sculpting steps are performed when the material is still in a gelatinous condition to form small spots in the matrix. Because the material is non-solid gel when the laser beam applies its focused energy, there is no cracking or destruction. Intensity and duration of the laser pulse determine the size of the spots as does the timing in relation to the matrix material finally changing from gel to solid. Particular visual effects are produced at different degrees of solidity when sculpting. The liquid in the mold may be pressurized for removal of air bubbles after initial pouring of the matrix material and application of pressure after the laser sculpting controls the size of the spots in the finished product.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for providing a multi-colored, long-lasting engraved mark on the surface of a brick or other similar ceramic object. Masks are used to separate coloring agents during the engraving process such that variegated designs may be created. A groove may be placed in the surface of the brick over the area to be engraved to provide a substratum for the coloring agent. The coloring agent is placed in the groove and subjected to heating such that it melts and fuses with the underlying brick surface within the groove. The coloring agent is comprised of colored glass frit particles. A laser is optimally used for providing both the grooving and the heating steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method by which a substrate (typically, a TFT substrate) can be installed directly in a treatment apparatus by using a transfer container without transferring the substrate. It is possible to use the container efficiently and transfer different substrates in size with one container. A manufacturing method in which a substrate is directly installed in an electrostatic-protected transfer container by a substrate supplier, and then the container is directly installed a treatment apparatus by a substrate demander after transferring can be realized, thereby making it possible to transfer substrates such as a TFT substrate. A contamination of a substrate due to particles and electrostatic discharge damage of a TFT substrate can be avoided because a transferring operation is not needed.

Abstract: A black thermoplastic molding composition which containing a dye combination made from nonabsorbing, non-black polymer-soluble dyes which produce a black thermoplastic molding composition which is translucent or transparent to laser light.

Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a multiphoton absorption process and apparatus. The method includes: providing a photoreactive composition; providing a source of sufficient light for simultaneous absorption of at least two photons; exposing the photoreactive composition to at least one transit of light from the light source; and directing at least a portion of the first transit of the light back into the photoreactive composition using at least one optical element, wherein a plurality of photons not absorbed in at least one transit are used to expose the photoreactive composition in a subsequent transit.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a three-dimensional object is provided, with which process or device the object is produced by layer-wise solidification of a pulverulent material by sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object by means of the action of radiation energy. The process comprises the application of a layer of the pulverulent material onto a substrate or a previously sintered layer, pre-heating of the pulverulent material to a working temperature below the temperature at which the powder is sintered and sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object in the layer, wherein a step of controlled heating of an applied powder layer and of determining the quantity of heat taken up by the powder per (FIG. 3) temperature interval for at least two temperature intervals is carried out.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substantially transparent polymer substrate for an anti-scatter x-ray grid for medical diagnostic radiography includes positioning a phase mask between the substrate and a high power laser; providing a laser beam from the laser; conditioning the laser beam; ablating a first portion the substrate through the phase mask with the conditioned laser beam; and moving the substrate; and ablating a second portion of the substrate through the phase mask with the conditioned laser beam.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for rapid forming of a ceramic green part. It is based upon an effect, that nano-scaled oxide colloid can be gelled by drying. Slurry can be obtained by mixing the oxide colloid with ceramic powder and dissolved agent. After paving a slurry film on a platform, a focused high-energy beam scans over the surface of said slurry film; the irradiated portion will be dried and build a two-dimensional (2-D) pattern. In addition, another slurry film is paved on the finished 2-D pattern layer. The high-energy beam scans once more on slurry film locally; another 2-D pattern is built. This built pattern can be connected with the pattern beneath it. After multiple repetitions of this procedure a three-dimensional (3-D) part can be formed. Because gelling is an irreversible reaction, the gelled portion of slurry won't be dissolved in water. Therefore, the non-gelled slurry can be separated from the gelled ceramic green part by flushing.

Abstract: A method for injection molding a plastic applicator with a ball of bristles produced integrally with a support handle. The mold consists of two opposing parts. The mold is machined by means of a laser. The mold is laser drilled with gradually decreasing depths of bores from the midpoint of the mold parts outwardly.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, features can be directly imprinted into the surface of a solid substrate. Specifically, a substrate is directly imprinted with a desired pattern by the steps of providing a mold having a molding surface to imprint the pattern, disposing the molding surface adjacent or against the substrate surface to be imprinted, and irradiating the substrate surface with radiation to soften or liquefy the surface. The molding surface is pressed into the softened or liquefied surface to directly imprint the substrate. The substrate can be any one of a wide variety of solid materials such as semiconductors, metals, or polymers. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is silicon, the laser is a UV laser, and the mold is transparent to the UV radiation to permit irradiation of the silicon workpiece through the transparent mold. Using this method, applicants have directly imprinted into silicon large area patterns with sub-10 nanometer resolution in sub-250 nanosecond processing time.

Abstract: A maskless patterning apparatus allows for laser beam ablation of one or more layers of material while not etching an underlying different material layer. A micromirror array produces the desired complex pattern on the workpiece and a continuous feature and end point detection system provides location and material parameter changes to accurately control the pattern position and depth of etching. End point detection includes monitoring energy reflected from a specially prepared replica of the material to be ablated, whose thickness and consistency match the active workpiece area. The process terminates when the proper amount of material is removed.

Abstract: A process for marking which enables a colored pattern formed by at least two different and contrasting colors to be created on a dark or black surface of a rubber article, which process includes preparing a light-colored rubber composition having at least one elastomer and at least two coloring agents of different light colors, giving the said composition its initial color, and then incorporating a dark or black masking agent into this colored composition in a limited proportion to darken or mask the initial color of the rubber composition. The process further includes causing a first laser beam of appropriate characteristics to interact in a first stage in order to reveal a first colored pattern part, followed in a second stage by a second laser beam of appropriate characteristics in order to reveal a second colored pattern part.

Abstract: A colored substrate is positioned between a material and a laser, and the material is scribed with a laser that has been directed through the colored substrate. By so doing, color is transferred to the material to form the color graphic without undesirably carbonizing, melting or burning through the material. The energy density per unit time can be defined as continuous power divided by the area of the spot and the speed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured by filling and hardening a powder material around a core. A powder material is first filled and layered around the core, and a beam is then selectively irradiated on the layer of powder material to form a hardened layer united with the core. These steps are repeated to form a plurality of hardened layers around the core, thereby manufacturing the three-dimensional object having the core embedded therein.

Abstract: UV laser cutting throughput through silicon and like materials is improved by dividing a long cut path (112) into short segments (122), from about 10 &mgr;m to 1 mm. The laser output (32) is scanned within a first short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes before being moved to and scanned within a second short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes. The bite size, segment size (126), and segment overlap (136) can be manipulated to minimize the amount and type of trench backfill. Real-time monitoring is employed to reduce rescanning portions of the cut path 112 where the cut is already completed. Polarization direction of the laser output (32) is also correlated with the cutting direction to further enhance throughput. This technique can be employed to cut a variety of materials with a variety of different lasers and wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for optically coupling a thermoplastic material to an outer surface layer of an organic, dielectric, optical film and the resulting optical filter. Initially, a dielectric film is selected that includes (i) repeating optical layers of at least two polymers having different refractive indexes from each other, (ii) an exterior film surface, (iii) a refractive boundary along the exterior film surface, and (iv) a delamination threshold based on total thermal energy delivered to the film. A thermoplastic material which is miscible with the exterior film surface is fused to the refractive boundary with thermal energy below the delamination threshold to form a polydisperse region having a higher optical transmission than the refractive boundary. Add-on filters in the form of hardcoat layers, anti-reflection layers, holograms, metal dielectric stacks and combinations of these may be combined with the thermoplastic-film construct.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing sliders having positive camber on the air bearing surface. The method comprises (i) scribing the air bearing surface of a slider row along a line between individual sliders, (ii) flat plate lapping the air bearing surface of the slider row, and (iii) producing a pattern of stress on the back side of the slider row to create positive camber in each individual slider in the slider row.

Abstract: A seal ring of a shaft seal has micro-topography depth features, such as wavy faces or radial grooves, formed in the seal face which define a hydrodynamic seal region between opposing seal faces. The micro-topography depth features are formed by an excimer laser shaped such that the beam shape at least has non-linear side edges which define convergent side areas of the beam. The convergent side areas are defined by side edge sections which converge toward each other and preferably are non-linear. For example, the beam shape may be circular or elliptical. The laser beam first cuts repeatedly along the same beam path to define a cut with an increasing depth, whereby the laser beam is shifted incrementally sidewardly to define multiple adjacent beam cuts that form the micro-topography feature such as a valley of a wavy face, a radial groove or the like.

Abstract: Three dimensional objects are formed by scanning a liquid thermosensitive resin with a laser beam causing imagewise heating of the resin. Because thermosensitive compositions do not obey the law of linear superposition, the problem of stray exposure is eliminated allowing the thermal polymerization of any point within the volume of the liquid without affecting adjacent points.

Abstract: A main objective of the present invention is to provide a method of making a foreign matter harmless which can make the foreign matter, after attaching a pellicle, existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle harmless, under pellicle attached condition. For attaining the above-described objective, the present invention provides a method of making a foreign matter harmless wherein a foreign matter existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle is irradiated with laser, via the pellicle membrane to make the foreign matter harmless.

Abstract: The evaluation reference tape includes at least one recess formed on a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic tape by processing the magnetic recording layer. In the method and apparatus for manufacturing the magnetic recording layer, at least one recess is formed on the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic tape by a laser beam or laser beams in a visible region, an ultraviolet region or both which is incident on the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction. The evaluation reference tape can perform sensitivity correction of a dropout testing apparatus in accordance with a depth or size of a defect of the magnetic tape and evaluation of the recording/replaying system of the magnetic tape without destroying the evaluation reference tape itself. The method and apparatus can efficiently manufacture the evaluation reference tape.

Abstract: A process for the provision of variedly colored incisions on a cosmetic product is described, that comprises the steps of superimposing a colored thin surface layer (8) onto the cosmetic product (1) and utilising a laser beam (5) directed towards said surface layer (1) and said cosmetic products (1) as an incident tool.

Abstract: A method for plugging a selected subset of cell channels of a honeycomb structure having a multiplicity of mutually adjoining cell channels which have open ends at and extend throughout the structure between opposing end faces thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and systems for manufacturing optical storage media from which information can be read out and/or into which information can be recorded by means of a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an improved optical storage medium which can be obtained with the method and system of the present invention. The optical storage medium comprises various layers (1, 5, 7), wherein at least two of them are bonded by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (4). At least the adhesive layer is cut by means of a laser beam so that the disadvantages of mechanical cutting tools are overcome.

Abstract: A method of forming a resin composite part utilizing a mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part. The method provides for forming a resin preform having a peripheral geometry similarly sized and configured as a configuration of the mold surface. The mold surface is sized and configured to receive the resin preform. The resin preform is then cured to form the resin composite part with the resin composite part being confirmed to the configuration of the mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part.

Abstract: A method for plugging a selected subset of cell channels of a honeycomb structure having a multiplicity of mutually adjoining cell channels which have open ends at and extend throughout the structure between opposing end faces thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a structure including applying a multiphoton-curable composition to a molded article, wherein the composition comprises a curable species and a multiphoton photoinitiator system, and at least partially curing the multiphoton-curable composition to form a structure on the article.

Abstract: In a process of engraving a bead of hematite (Fe2O3) in the form of specularite, a crystalline form with bright metallic luster, a pulsed laser beam is focused on the bead. The beam has a width of 0.005 to 0.006 inches, a wavelength of about 1064 nm and an intensity of 60 to 90 watts of power. The pulse rate is on the order of 2000 per second. The beam is moved in a controlled pattern to produce the desired engraving. Preferably the beam is moved at about 1.0 to 1.5 inches per second.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing non-slip floor coverings made of mineral materials, such as, for example, natural stone, fine stoneware, artificial stone or ceramics. This method is carried out in a two-stage process, there being produced on the surface of the floor coverings or slabs, in a first process stage by means of pulsed laser bombardment, statistically distributed microcraters invisible to the human eye. The surface of the floor coverings or slabs obtained in this way is then, according to the invention, subjected to hydromechanical aftertreatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a catheter assembly and the method for forming the same. The catheter includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal sections, and further includes an inflatable balloon on a portion of the distal shaft section and in surrounding relation thereto. The balloon has proximal and distal tapered regions and an intermediate region longitudinally disposed therebetween. The proximal and distal tapered regions each has a first end adjacent the intermediate region and a second end opposite the first end. The wall thickness of the proximal and distal tapered regions, may, increase from the first end to the second end. A fluid-tight bond is formed between the catheter shaft and at least a section of at least one of the proximal and distal tapered regions at the second end thereof. The bond is preferably a fusion bond. At least a portion of the either or both the proximal and distal tapered regions in the bond interface is at least partially crystalline.