Abstract: A method of measuring the recording magnetic field strength distribution of a magnetic head having a recording element is disclosed that includes the steps of: (a) disposing the magnetic head above a measurement medium having a recording layer; (b) heating a partial area of the recording layer opposing the medium-opposing surface of the recording element, and generating a recording magnetic field to emanate therefrom; (c) measuring the reproduction output of a magnetic track in the partial area; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) while changing the partial area to be heated; and (e) converting the reproduction outputs into the recording magnetic field strength distribution. The coercive force of the measurement medium is reduced by the heating; and step (b) heats the partial area to a temperature at which the coercive force is lower than the strength of the magnetic field applied to the partial area.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth includes a microprocessor having a data map, a temperature sensor attached to the microprocessor, a relative humidity sensor attached to the microprocessor, an indicator array attached to the microprocessor, and a power supply attached to the microprocessor. The map has a plurality of relative humidity and temperature combinations and one or more suggested actions, for the user, based on the combinations. The indicator array may be a single warning light or an array with a plurality of warning lights. The indicator array may also be a text display or an audio speaker for displaying one or more ambient conditions or suggested actions. Barometric pressure data may also be included with the map for more comprehensive suggestions for action.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating hydrocarbon deposits includes temperature 16 sensor for measuring earth surface temperature at each of a plurality of locations, and a solar absorption sensor 14 for measuring the absorption coefficient of the earth's surface at each of those plurality of locations. A sky temperature sensor 18 may also be provided. A computer 30 records measurements as a function of location, and outputs a plot of corrected surface temperatures as a function of the geographic location of the measurements. By comparing corrected surface temperature measurements at the plurality of locations, a hydrocarbon deposit may be located and its boundaries determined.

Abstract: A method for measuring a thickness of a coating of a constructional unit, in particular a heat-compatible coating on a component of a gas turbine, includes measuring coordinates of the constructional unit three-dimensionally with a measuring device, in particular an optical scanner, before and after the coating, a thermal distortion of the constructional unit being recorded during the coating and the thickness of the coating being determined from a comparison of the measured constructional unit coordinates before and after the coating. The thermal distortion of the constructional unit is taken into account in the thickness determination of the coating by a comparison with at least one reference point at an uncoated location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to determining water content of a solid insulation at a specific location within a transformer. The method comprising, determining a temperature of the solid insulation at a specific location, calculating a relative moisture saturation of the oil at the specific location, calculating the ultimate water content in the solid insulation at the specific location, and calculating an actual water content in the solid insulation at the specific location.

Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape-aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.

Abstract: A system for providing reliable, unalterable mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger, a second memory device and an outbound data transfer device. The logger is provided with one or more sensors, a microprocessor and a first memory device. The one or more sensors measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate data associated with the physical properties. The microprocessor receives the data from the sensor and calculates maturity data and mechanical strength data. The first memory device stores the mechanical strength data within the concrete mass in an unalterable form. The second memory device is located outside the concrete mass. The outbound data transfer device transfers the mechanical strength data from the first memory device to the second memory device.

Abstract: An exemplary resistance calculating method includes steps of: calculating a heat transfer rate of a conductor; and finding a resistance of the conductor as a reciprocal of the heat transfer rate of the conductor. The calculating method includes sub-steps of: simulating the conductor with a software which can calculates a heat transfer rate of the conductor according to a coefficient of heat conductivity of the conductor and a temperature difference of input and output terminals of the conductor; setting the coefficient of heat conductivity of the conductor with a reciprocal of a resistivity of a material of which the conductor comprises; setting the temperature difference of the input and output terminals with ?1 Celsius degrees; and calculating the heat transfer rate of the simulated conductor with the software.

Abstract: A method for thermogravimetrically testing the behavior of a solid material in the presence of a controlled gaseous atmosphere, characterized in that a plurality of samples (10) are placed in the presence of the gaseous atmosphere inside the same controlled atmosphere furnace (4); each sample is associated with a scale (38) proper thereto; the samples (10) undergo predetermined successive thermal cycles each including a heating step during which the samples are directly heated (by radiation or induction) and a cooling step during which the weight of each sample is independently measured and recorded in a continuous manner during at least one predetermined period such as a high temperature level during the heating step of each thermal cycle. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A device for measuring at least one of a level and a temperature of a liquid in a container includes a resistor arrangement adapted to be immersed in the liquid. An immersed length of the resistor arrangement in the liquid corresponds to the level of the liquid in the container. The resistor arrangement includes upper, middle and lower temperature-dependent elongated resistor elements connected in series or in parallel. Each resistor element has an uniform resistance per unit length along a length thereof. The upper and lower resistor elements are shorter than the middle resistor element. A power source is connectable to the resistor arrangement. Voltage drops across or currents flowing through the resistor elements are measured. A microprocessor is arranged to calculate the immersed length of the resistor arrangement or the temperature of the liquid from predetermined lengths of the resistor elements and from the measured voltages or currents.

Abstract: The invention provides for a dynamic dew point analysis method as well as an apparatus for carrying out the method wherein the method comprises: arranging a moisture containing gas in the immediate vicinity of at least two thermocouples, where one thermocouple is shielded from the gas; creating an analogous temperature change in both thermocouples and registering the temperature in both thermocouples during a cycle where the condensation point of the moisture containing gas is passed, using the different temperatures from the at least two thermocouples as input for determining the dew point according to basic thermodynamic principles.

Abstract: In a control equipment 10, shaft-misalignment amount of a shaft 3a of a gas turbine 3 and a shaft 5a of a steam turbine 5 is measured and speed-increase ratio of rotation speed and heat soak time of the steam turbine 5 are set in accordance with the measured shaft-misalignment amount so as to have the shaft-misalignment amount stay within a permissible range when a clutch 7 connects the shafts 3a and 5a.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assessing the integrity of grip of a stone in a jewellery setting having plural gripping claws to grip said stone, the method comprising heating the stone; measuring conductive transfer of heat from the stone to each of said plural gripping claws; and comparing said conductive heat transfer to said each gripping claw, wherein a marked difference in conductive heat transfer to any of the gripping claws indicates a lack of integrity of grip. Suitable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for compensating temperature in a system for tire pressure monitoring which is especially implemented by detecting a tire pressure and/or by detecting a tire pressure loss. The method is especially characterized in that the temperature is compensated by determining the gas temperature in the tire by way of at least two items of temperature information and by taking the determined temperature as a basis for said tire inflation monitoring. One significant advantage of this method involves that externally active temperature changes, such as a heat-emitting brake disc causing the wheel rim of the tire and, hence, also a temperature sensor arranged thereat to be heated more intensely than the gas in the tire, do not lead to an indication error with respect to the tire pressure (or a spurious alarm).

Abstract: Thermal image data of at least a region of a face of a person is provided. The thermal image data is transformed to blood flow rate data which includes a slope representative of the change of blood flow rate over time. The slope is compared to a slope threshold to determine a physiological state of the person. For example, it may be determined whether the person is deceptive or non-deceptive, e.g., deceptive with respect to an elicited response from the person.

Abstract: In a thermomechanical measuring device and a thermogravimetry device, partition walls are provided in two sections such that two kinds of atmospheric gasses, which have passed a sample chamber and a detector chamber, respectively, do not flow back, and a thermally insulated gas mixing chamber is manufactured anew in the middle of the sample chamber and the detector chamber to make it possible to dilute a reactive gas and a water vapor gas having a high partial pressure. Consequently, it is possible to prevent moisture concentration to reduce an influence of water drops even in a high temperature and high humidity state at the time of humidity control and measurement.

Abstract: A laser power meter and associated method are disclosed. The laser power meter has an absorber that is placed in a path of a laser beam during a power measurement, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the absorber, a differentiator for determining a rate of change of the temperature of the absorber, and a processor that computes an estimated power of the laser beam based on the temperature and its rate of change without considering power related loss effects and then computes the power of the laser beam based on the estimated power and the temperature and its rate of change.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible wired circuit board for temperature measurement that can provide an accurate temperature measurement even when placed in a high-temperature atmosphere and can also be provided at a reduced cost. In the flexible wired circuit board for temperature measurement, a conductor layer formed from a metal foil, such as a stainless foil, having a proportional relation between temperature and specific electric resistance is formed on a base insulating layer. Also, a single thin sensor wiring in a sensor portion exposed from a cover insulating layer is formed into a certain pattern by folding back the sensor wiring in a continuous S-shaped form, such that adjacent parts of the wiring extending in parallel are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in a widthwise direction of the conductor layer.

Abstract: Thermally analysis of layers and multiple layer structures used in the semiconductor processing arts is disclosed. A modulated calorimetric analysis may be used to determine a thermal signature that characterizes the chemical properties of a sample of material. The signature may include one or more thermal properties such as heat capacities. The signature may be used to compare and infer the suitability of a material for use in an integrated circuit manufacturing process. A thermal signature for a material that is not known to be suitable for manufacturing integrated circuits may be compared with a thermal signature for a standard material that is known to be suitable in order to determine whether the aforementioned material is suitable. Multiple layer structures may also be analyzed, compared, and inferred, and approaches for determining thermal signatures for any individual layer of the multiple layer structure are disclosed.

Abstract: The methodology disclosed permits the testing of fluids, solids, powders and pastes through the measurements of effusivity. Effusivity is a measurement that combines thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity. Blend uniformity, homogeneity, miscibility, concentration, voiding\delamination, and moisture content are exemplary of the applications to which the present methodology is applicable. The method of monitoring homogeneity, miscibility, concentration, voiding\delamination, and moisture content in a material comprises the steps of measuring effusivity of a first portion of the material, measuring effusivity of a second portion of the_material, comparing each measurement. The caparison may be between the measurements themselves or to a predetermined range of values and indicating which portion has an out of range measurement.

Abstract: A measuring method eliminates the limitation of the observation time scale controlled of the optical path length, and expands the range of samples of the thermoreflectance method using a pulse laser. The method irradiates an extremely fast light pulse to a sample as a pump light pulse to excite the sample and a probe light pulse to the sample, and observes the temperature variation of the sample by detecting a reflected light from the sample. The method prepares for electrically controllable two pulse lasers: one for exciting the sample, another one for probing, separately. By electrically controlling the difference between the time at which the exciting light irradiates the sample and the time at which the probing light irradiates the sample, the method detects a signal that varies depending on the time difference between the pump pulse and the probe pulse.

Abstract: A device for testing a material that changes shape when an electric and/or magnetic field is applied, in particular a piezoactive material, having a generator to generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field is described. This permits a rapid characterization of the material and at the same time can be implemented with a much lower structural complexity. This is achieved by the fact that at least one thermal sensor is provided for detecting a change in temperature of the material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for exposing samples to photonic radiation for accelerated artificial weathering tests, comprising: chamber (30), a sample-holding cage (40) rotating about a horizontal axis (H—H), at least an electromagnetic radiation lamp (10) in the central part of the cage (45, 46). One improvement consists in ventilating means blowing air into the chamber (30) through the air intake orifice (50), so as to generate an air stream arriving directly on the lamp (10), then diverging about the lamp (10) to be evacuated through the fixed air outlets (31–38) at the periphery of the cage (40). Another improvement consists in the fact that the lower part of the rotary sample-holding cage is immersed in a liquid tank, such that the samples are cyclically in immersion phases into the liquid alternating with emergence phases into the air stream. The invention also concerns test devices and methods integrating said improvements.

Abstract: The thread engagement verifier system provides for verifying the quality of a threaded connection 12 between upper and lower for tubular member 16, 18. One or more thermal radiation sensors 14 are used in combination with a data acquisition and processing computer 20 and an output device, such as a video display 12. The thermal radiation is generated by sliding friction between the tubular members, and the sensors 14 sense radiation at a plurality of external locations and output heat intensity signals to the computer 20. Torque may also be sensed via a sensor 32 and input to the computer 20.

Abstract: Heat is applied to a conductive structure that includes one or more vias, and the temperature at or near the point of heat application is measured. The measured temperature indicates the integrity or the defectiveness of various features (e.g. vias and/or traces) in the conductive structure, near the point of heat application. Specifically, a higher temperature measurement (as compared to a measurement in a reference structure) indicates a reduced heat transfer from the point of heat application, and therefore indicates a defect. The reference structure can be in the same die as the conductive structure (e.g. to provide a baseline) or outside the die but in the same wafer (e.g. in a test structure) or outside the wafer (e.g. in a reference wafer), depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: A cloud point monitoring device which includes thermal conductive surface, cooler, temperature sensor, detection volume, detection wall unit, fiber optic cables for transmitting light, lighter emitter, light detector, and a data acquisition and control unit. The cloud point monitoring device provides an instrument to accurately measure the cloud point of diesel fuel indicate the approximate level of crystallization in diesel fuel that has been chilled beyond its cloud point and indicate the approximate energy content of diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring device design allows it to be made small enough to be mounted in a fuel system of a vehicle.

Abstract: For achieving a highest possible measuring accuracy of a circuit for measuring the internal resistance of an exhaust-gas sensor, a method and a circuit for measuring the internal resistance R1 (10) of an electrochemical cell (12) are provided for determining the temperature of an exhaust-gas sensor, especially of a motor vehicle. The circuit is provided with the objective to improve the control to a constant temperature to therefore also improve the performance of the exhaust-gas sensor. A measurement current I_Mess (20) is applied to the internal resistance R1 (10) of the electrochemical cell (12) and a resulting first voltage is detected. A switchover to a reference resistor R2 takes place from time to time or at regular time intervals. With a switchover to the reference resistor R2, the resulting second voltage is stored and thereafter is applied as a reference value for the measurement of the internal resistance R1 (10).

Abstract: A temperature-based sensing device (10) for detecting or determining a presence or proximity of a body or body part (12) in or near a garment, device, apparatus, or other item (14), such as, for example, an orthopedic device or exercise apparatus. The device (10) broadly comprises a first temperature sensor (20) for measuring a first or internal temperature of a an interior or receiving portion (16) of the item (14); a second temperature sensor (22) for measuring a second or external temperature of an ambient environment (18) surrounding the item (14); a controller (24) adapted to determine the presence of the body part (12) by comparing the first temperature with the second temperature; and connective circuitry (26) made of flexible material and adapted to electrically connect at least the first temperature sensor (20) with the controller (24).

Abstract: A device and a method for testing a material, particularly a catalytically active material, are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a substance mixture is chemically converted and a radiation unit, which allows the rapid characterization of the material without a great effort, is provided for generating radiation to be at least partially absorbed by the substance mixture. At least one temperature measuring device for measuring a temperature change caused by the absorption is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing characterization of devices is presented. The characteristic of the device are determined by obtaining a first temperature measurement in a first location of a device, obtaining a second temperature measurement, computing the difference between the temperature measurements and, using the temperatures and/or the temperature difference, a characteristic of the device is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the breathability and comfort level of a shoe, comprising a rigid structure that duplicates the contour of a foot, divided into at least three thermally insulated regions from each other, for the shoe to be tested, resistors heating the regions of the rigid structure to a presettable temperature, at least one cladding of a soft material permeable to liquids, that absorb water and distributing it over the entire surface of the structure, sensors for sensing the temperature of cladding regions corresponding to the contour regions, a metering pump to supply water to the structure, and a power measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating a liquid (e.g., blood) from a container uses an electrically biased thermistor element, mounted proximate the tip of a liquid-aspirating probe, to determine that the probe is safely submerged within a body of liquid to be aspirated at all times during the aspiration process. Also disclosed are different aspiration probe assemblies that are useful in the method and apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A superconducting radiation detector relies upon the abruptness of a superconducting transition edge to converts a slight heat generated by an X-ray into a high signal current and uses an electrothermal self-feedback mechanism to provide a high energy resolution and a high counting rate. A calorimeter incorporating such a radiation detector has an absorber for absorbing X-rays, a resistor formed of a superconductor provided under the absorber and having a resistance value that varies with heat generated in the absorber, superconducting wires for connecting the resistor to an external current detector, a membrane on which the resistor is provided, and an insulating film provided between the resistor and the absorber and having at least one hole penetrating therethrough, the resistor and the absorber being in contact through the hole.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring thermoelectric characteristics of a combinatorial sample. The method and device are useful for rapid sample evaluation, the investigation of thermoelectric materials, and the carrier control of semiconductors. The device includes combinatorial samples patterned with a metal mask, a pair of sample holders for applying a small temperature gradient to the sample, a thermocouple for measuring the temperature gradient, and a probe pin array in contact with the sample.

Abstract: The non-invasive corrosion sensor includes a heat sink, at least two peltiers, a reference standard and a data acquisition device. Each peltier has a negative side and a positive side, and each peltier communicates with the heat sink such that the negative side of each peltier is maintained at a common temperature. The reference standard communicates with the positive side of one of the peltiers while the test piece communicates with the positive side of the other peltier; and the data acquisition devise is able to record and compare the differences in temperatures between the test piece and the reference standard. A higher temperature in the test piece than in the reference standard indicates the presence of corrosion. The differences in temperatures of the test piece and the reference standard are obtained via electrical currents in the peltiers.

Abstract: A combined heater and heat sink assembly regulates the temperature of a device under test. The combined heating/cooling assembly includes a heater assembly inlay that is received within a heat sink. The heater assembly includes a heating surface that is coplanar with a cooling surface of the heat sink. In operation, the heating/cooling assembly provides concurrent hot and cold contact points for the device under test. The heater assembly is thermally insulated from the heat sink such that the majority of the heat generated by the heater assembly is directly applied to the device under test; very little of the generated heat is lost to the heat sink. On the other hand, the heat sink provides a relatively low thermal resistance between the device under test and a cold source such as a coolant. Accordingly, the combined heating/cooling assembly provides parallel thermal paths between the device under test and both a hot source and a cold source.

Abstract: The temperature of the tread surface part of a tire is increased by running the tire in contact with a drum. The increase in the temperature of the tread surface part is due to the heat of friction between the tread surface part and the drum. Because large increases in temperature indicate that the friction is causing a large amount of wear, it is possible to forecast with ease the amount of wear of the tire from the increase in temperature of the tread surface part. The temperature of the tread surface part can be measured using a thermography machine, and the wear in the tread can be determined by looking at an image that shows the temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing acoustic thermography including a fixture (32) having a compliant member (40) that allows contacting surfaces of a horn face (20) and a specimen surface (16) to self-align into parallel contact in response to only the contacting force (FC) there between. When the contacting surfaces are brought together in a slightly non-parallel alignment, the contacting force develops a force component (FN) that is normal to the plane of contact. This normal force causes deflection of a compliant member, thereby providing movement that brings the contacting surfaces into parallel alignment. The compliant member may be a spring (48), elastomer (50), swivel member (56), bearing member (80), or a curved non-stick surface (90) in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method for determining the thermal expansion coefficient of a substance comprises, determining at each of two or more temperatures the absolute position of more than one resonant interference peaks of a Fabry-Perot etalon whose optical path is defined by said substance and calculating said coefficient from observed difference(s) in wavelength or frequency of said positions at said two or more temperatures.

Abstract: A method of providing an indication of pH levels in an animal can alternatively be used to provide an indication of stress in an animal. Since pH and temperature are related to ultimate meat quality, the method of the invention may also be used to provide an indication of ultimate meat quality. In the method, periodic measurements are obtained corresponding to the body temperature of the animal. An algorithm is applied to the measurements obtained. The algorithm cumulatively takes account of variations of body temperature over time. The results of the algorithm are compared to a per-determined threshold. Alternatively, the results of the algorithm may be compared with a standard to provide a quantitative indication of pH, stress or meat tenderness. A system for providing an indication of meat quality/stress levels or pH levels in an animal is also provided.

Abstract: Thermal image data of at least a region of a face of a person is provided. The thermal image data is transformed to blood flow rate data and may be used to determine whether the person is deceptive or non-deceptive based on the blood flow rate data, e.g., deceptive with respect to an elicited response from the person.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a method of sensing the temperature of a molten metal vehicle is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes utilizing at least one thermal imager located to the side of the molten metal during the dispensing of the molten metal and capturing at least one thermal image for determining the rotational position of the molten metal vehicle by calculating an area of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the level of anxiety and/or truthfulness of a person may include measuring the skin temperature of the person at at least three regions of the skin of the person, requesting the person to supply information, measuring the skin temperature at the at least three regions while the person supplies the information, and measuring the skin temperature at the at least three regions after the person supplies the information. The level of anxiety and/or truthfulness of the person may be determined based at least partially on a combination of the difference between the measured skin temperature of the person before the information is supplied and the measured skin temperature of the person while the information is supplied, and the difference between the measured skin temperature of the person while the information is supplied and the measured skin temperature of the person after the information is supplied.

Abstract: A thermal testing control system for notebook computers, remotely controlled by a control means, is described. An enclosure can test notebook computers in its inner space under a predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor, mounted in the testing room is electrically connected to the control means. A blower is mounted in one opening, and electrically connected to the control means. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature, the blower begins to operate.

Abstract: A non-destructive plastic butt weld inspection method in which the weld bead 42 is removed from an exterior surface of a weld zone region 44 of a butt weld and the weld zone region 44 is heated to a temperature sufficient to visualize the weld zone 44. After heating, defective joints are readily identified by the appearance of a bond line 40 in the weld zone 44 while satisfactory joints merely show the weld zone 44 with no evidence of a bond line 40. Surface irregularities such as ridges 46 and indentations 48 may also form in the weld zone during the heating step.

Abstract: A method for determining temperature of a material (32) comprising: measuring at least one of the real and imaginary part of the permittivity of the material (32) at each of at least one frequency (36) for which substantially only a single component of the material contributes to the dielectric permittivity of the material (32), for which known component the permittivity as a function of temperature is known; and using at least one of the determined real and imaginary part of the permittivity at each of the at least one frequency and the dependence of the permittivity of the known component on temperature to determine temperature of the known component and thereby of the material (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for rapid thermal testing of samples consisting of a single sample chamber in which the samples are preferably arranged circularly around the opening through which a fluid of varying temperature, preferably air, is introduced to provide for rapid, uniform cooling and heating of the samples. The samples are preferably uniformly spaced to allow for uniform air flow. The samples are mounted in slots which are preferably oriented radially outward from the opening. The sample mounts comprise electrical connectors which form a network connected to at least one ohmmeter for measuring the resistance of the samples. The samples preferably comprise test coupons, each with multiple daisy-chained nets of vias or other components to be tested. Also a method for thermal testing of samples consisting of steps to characterize the samples before the test is run.

Abstract: For temperature cycling at a material of an IC (integrated circuit) package, a laser beam is directed to the material such that the material absorbs the laser beam to become heated. A laser controller adjusts at least one property of the laser beam until the temperature of the material reaches a predetermined high-end temperature. The present invention may be used for a flip-chip IC package with the laser beam being directed toward a back-side of an IC die that is exposed on the IC package. In that case, the laser beam is comprised of light having a wavelength that is within a transmission region of a semiconductor material of the IC die such that the laser beam reaches the material on the front side of the IC die.