Abstract: An insertion needle 15 has a photoacoustic wave generating portion that generates a photoacoustic wave by absorbing light emitted from a laser unit 13. A photoacoustic image generation unit 25 generates a photoacoustic image based on the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave emitted from the insertion needle 15. The sound source position detection unit 30 detects the photoacoustic wave generating source from the photoacoustic image. A first signal acquisition unit 31 acquires an S value, and a second signal acquisition unit 32 acquires an N value. A light emission control unit 33 controls the number of light emissions and the light emission interval of the laser unit 13 for one photoacoustic image generation based on the ratio between the S value and the N value. The photoacoustic image generation unit 25 generates a photoacoustic image by at least adding the detection signals of photoacoustic waves corresponding to the number of light emissions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining proper placement of a substrate upon a substrate support in a process chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for detecting substrate placement in a process chamber includes placing a substrate on a support surface of a substrate support with the process chamber; modifying a pressure within the chamber to create a detection pressure within the chamber; sensing a first temperature of the substrate support; monitoring a thermal response characteristic of the substrate support after placing the substrate on the substrate support; comparing the thermal response characteristic to a predetermined response characteristic; and determining whether the substrate is placed correctly based upon the comparison of the thermal response characteristic to the predetermined response characteristic.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating device, including a heater element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a power source connected to the heater element; and a controller connected to the heater element and to the power source, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supplied to the heater element from the power source to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a target temperature, and is configured to compare a measure of power supplied to the heater element or energy supplied to the heater element from the power source to a threshold measure of power or energy to detect the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate close to the heater element or a material property of an aerosol-forming substrate close to the heater element.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a glass transition temperature of a hydrophobic polymer having a surface tagged with an atmospheric plasma.

Abstract: A superheat sensor (1) for sensing superheat of a fluid flowing in a flow channel (3) is disclosed. The sensor (1) comprises a flexible wall defining an interface between an inner cavity (5) having a charge fluid (6) arranged therein and the flow channel (3). The flexible wall is arranged in the flow channel (3) in thermal contact with the fluid flowing therein, and the flexible wall is adapted to conduct heat between the flow channel (3) and the inner cavity (5). Thereby the temperature of the charge fluid (6) adapts to the temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), and the pressure in the inner cavity (5) is determined by this temperature. A first wall part (7, 14) and a second wall part (9, 16) are arranged at a variable distance from each other, said distance being defined by a differential pressure between the pressure of the charge fluid (6) and the pressure of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), i.e.

Abstract: Approaches for a hard-disk drive (HDD) comprising a head slider comprising a thermoelectric embedded contact sensor. The thermoelectric embedded contact sensor may comprise a first and second conductive lead and a metallic component. The metallic component has a different Seebeck coefficient than the first and second conductive leads. A thermoelectric voltage across the metallic component is used to measure the distance between a head slider and a magnetic-recording disk without supplying an electrical current from a hard-disk drive to either of the first conductive lead or the second conductive lead.

Abstract: A focus error signal resulting from the photothermically-induced expansion is measured in a sample of material under analysis. A laser is disposed as a periodically modulated heating source which is directed to the sample and a device for focus error measuring which is directed to the surface being heated. A device measuring focus error generates a signal representative of the displacement of the surface of material in perpendicular direction due to the expansion produced by the periodic heating, which is filtered, either analogically or digitally, to discriminate the displacement component at the frequency in which it was modulated or at any other related frequency, such any harmonic or a sum with any other modulation. The focus error signal, appropriately calibrated, gives a precise and sensitive measure of the magnitude the expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring data in a well extending below surface, said system comprising a body having a longitudinal axis and a front end and a rear end; locomotion means; control means adapted to control direction and/or speed of the locomotion means; said control means being controllable from the surface. Thereby is achieved that a body may be remotely controlled from the surface e.g. the entrance of an oil well.

Abstract: A laser or other heat source detection device is produced by creating a grid pattern on a polymer backing. The grid pattern comprises a PTC compound heat resistive ink in the form of discrete elements coupled by conductive ink lines or stripes. A resistance measurement device measures for an increase in resistance somewhere in the grid which indicates a laser or other heat source being directed at the grid. The laser detection device further comprises a cover material of heat transmissive material such as aluminum. In one embodiment, the resistance measurement device is capable of rapidly detecting the exact location of the laser source and relaying this position to a laser position control. The laser position control directs the positioning of the laser source and can either adjust or maintain the position of the laser source based on the feedback provided by the resistance measurement device or can shut down the laser and can record the time that the event took place.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a system for measuring at least one thermal property of a material. The system includes a thermal source configured to generate an incident thermal wave that propagates through a medium and is provided onto the material at an incident angle. The system also includes a thermal detector that is configured to receive a reflected thermal wave corresponding to the incident thermal wave reflected from the material at a reflection angle that is approximately equal to the incident angle. The system further includes a controller configured to control a magnitude of the incident angle to ascertain a thermal Brewster angle of the material and to calculate the at least one thermal property of the material based on the thermal Brewster angle.

Abstract: A multifunctional monitoring apparatus includes an operating portion, two flexible tubes and two camera modules. The operating portion includes a handle, a controller, a display screen and two connecting ends. The handle provides a grip for users and facilitates the operation of the monitoring apparatus. The controller is connected to the display screen. Each flexible tube is coupled to each connecting end. Each camera module includes a sleeve, a camera and a circuit board. Each camera is installed in each sleeve and connected to each circuit board. Each circuit board is connected to the controller through a transmission line, such that after the controller has received image data captured by the cameras, the image data can be transmitted to the display screen. Users simply need to place the two camera modules at two desired observing locations to observe and compare the environments of two different locations.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the windings in a transformer or other electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the conductor in a buried, undersea or submerged electrical power cable.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is provided at a base member. Regulating apparatus is provided that regulate, of deformations transmitted via the base member to the piezoelectric device, the transmission of a deformation in second directions, which intersect first directions.

Abstract: A method for measuring a metal film thickness is provided. The method initiates with heating a region of interest of a metal film with a defined amount of heat energy. Then, a temperature of the metal film is measured. Next, a thickness of the metal film is calculated based upon the temperature and the defined amount of heat energy. A chemical mechanical planarization system capable of detecting a thin metal film through the detection of heat transfer dynamics is also provided.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature and sag of an overhead power line, the temperature of the windings in a transformer, or the temperature of the central conductor in a coaxial power cable.

Abstract: A probe for a scanning thermal microscope includes a cantilever beam, an insulating layer, a conductive layer and a carbon nanotube. The cantilever beam includes a microtip at a distal end thereof, and the microtip has a conductive exterior portion with a pointed part. The insulating layer is formed on a part of the conductive exterior portion other than the pointed part thereof. The conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer and has a coupling portion in contact with the pointed part of the conductive exterior portion of the microtip, the coupling portion of the conductive layer and the pointed part of the conductive exterior portion thereby cooperatively form a thermocouple junction. The carbon nanotube has one end arranged on the thermocouple junction. The probe for a scanning thermal microscope increases spatial resolution of scanning thermal microscope and can prevent excessive current leakage.

Abstract: A method for detecting a tilt or a shift of a wafer on a hot plate is described. A temperature variation of the hot plate is measured directly after the wafer is transferred onto the hot plate. The temperature variation is analyzed to determine whether or not a tilt or a shift of the wafer has occurred.

Abstract: A method for detecting a tilt or a shift of a wafer on a hot plate is described. A temperature variation of the hot plate is measured directly after the wafer is transferred onto the hot plate. The temperature variation is analyzed to determine whether or not a tilt or a shift of the wafer has occurred.

Abstract: A heating device such as a heat gun or heat unit which includes a surface temperature sensor to measure the surface temperature of the work piece being heated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product provides automated analysis of thermal imaging data for multi-layer materials based upon a theoretical model of a multi-layer material system, which is solved numerically. The computer-implemented method effectively processes the volume heating effect for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), since quantitative evaluation of TBC thickness and conductivity is particularly important. TBC thickness is a processing parameter and required to be monitored. TBC conductivity is a measure of TBC quality because it is directly related with TBC density/porosity, microcracking and interface cracks. Because this method is an imaging technology, it can be used for fast and 100% area inspection of larger TBC surfaces, such as combustor liners.

Abstract: A transducer for detecting movement of an article mounted for movement in a plane, the transducer comprising: a heater facing the plane of movement of the article and having a temperature dependent resistance; and, an edge defined in the article between regions of different thermal conductivity; wherein, as the article describes the movement, the edge moves relative to the heater producing a corresponding variation in heat loss from the heater and a corresponding variation in resistance of the heater.

Abstract: A method for calculating and displaying the isothermal contours of the energy produced by a laser in a sample includes applying a laser beam to the focal point of a sample. The region near the focal point is divided into cylinders coaxial with the beam. The maximum temperature reached during the laser pulse of at least three points at arbitrary distances from the focal point is derived. The temperatures calculated are plotted as a function of distance from the focal point sufficient to generate isothermal contours. A computer display is then generated of the isothermal contours corresponding to the temperature calculations.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for measuring a property of a shape memory alloy are provided. The instrument includes a base plate, a non-contact movable mass, a force gauge, an actuator, a biasing spring, a heater for heating the shape memory alloy, and a non-contact displacement detector. The biasing spring and the shape memory alloy are disposed whereby a force applied thereby is applied substantially through a center of stiffness of the movable mass. The displacement detector measures a displacement of the movable mass in a colinear direction with a direction of movement of the movable mass and with a direction of the force applied by the biasing spring and the shape memory alloy. The linear motion stage comprises a housing and at least one guide bar, and wherein a calculated axial expansion of the guide bar is substantially equal to a calculated axial expansion of the base plate.

Abstract: A device for detecting thermally caused linear expansions of a machine element, wherein the device includes a temperature sensor placed along an expansion direction. The temperature sensor includes a first metallic conductor having an electrical resistance that is proportional to an average temperature of an area to be monitored and a plurality of trimmer tracks in the form of further metallic conductors placed next to the first metallic conductor. The temperature sensor further includes electrical connections selectively interconnecting the plurality of trimmer tracks with the first metallic conductor and wherein the plurality of the trimmer tracks have an effective electrical resistance that is proportional to the average temperature of the area to be monitored.

Abstract: A gas inlet manifold for a plasma chamber having a perforated gas distribution plate suspended by a side wall comprising one or more sheets. The sheets preferably provide flexibility to alleviate stress in the gas distribution plate due to thermal expansion and contraction. In another aspect, the side wall provides thermal isolation between the gas distribution plate and other components of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-throughput determination of phase change points of combinatorial libraries of metal alloys uses an infrared camera to monitor temperature-dependent changes in emissivity/reflectivity of the alloys. An infrared focal plane array monitors the emissivity/reflectivity changes over time, and the intensity of each heated member over time is correlated with temperature to detect the phase change points of the members.

Abstract: A temperature information detecting device for an angle sensor is provided for detecting only temperature-dependent components based on middle-point potentials when a constant current is supplied to a bridge circuit for an angle sensor, for acquiring a temperature of the angle sensor from the temperature-dependent components, for employing compensating information corresponding to the acquired temperature without separately providing any additional temperature sensor, and for making temperature compensation of the output of the temperature sensor in automatically controlling the valve opening of a flow control valve.

Abstract: A rotary disc made of synthetic resin has a fixed portion fixed to a rotary shaft, a cylindrical portion extending in the thrust direction from the outer peripheral edge of the fixed portion, and a disc main body portion extending in the radial direction from the lower portion of the cylindrical portion, and a scale portion for detecting the rotation angle is disposed on the underside of the disc main body portion.

Abstract: A thermocouple tilt sensing device comprises a container being substantially gas-tight, a first sensing wire having a first and a second end, and a second sensing wire, having a first and a second end. The first end of the first sensing element is electrically connected to the first end of the second sensing wire thereby forming a thermocouple junction. A heater wire is disposed adjacent the thermocouple junction and is connected to an AC or DC power source. The heater wire provides thermal energy which induces a DC output voltage in the thermocouple. The first sensing wire, second sensing wire and the heater wire are disposed within the sealed container. An angle of a device provided with a thermocouple tilt sensing device is determined by measuring the output voltage from the thermocouple junction and comparing it to a known output voltage curve associated with the thermocouple tilt sensing device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for calibrating a thermal proximity sensor are disclosed. Thermal responses from a thermal proximity sensor are used to sense the instantaneous distance between the sensor and a medium over which the sensor is moved, in a data storage system. Sensing the instantaneous distance results in detection of topographical variations on the medium. Calibration techniques for the sensor are disclosed herein and involve, in one aspect, using primarily electrical measurements to calibrate the sensor; and in another aspect, varying the distance between the sensor and the medium, obtaining actual thermal responses from the sensor, and using the actual responses (via direct comparison or curve fitting) to calibrate the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a magnetoresistive access element used to access data on the medium.

Abstract: A thermal object detecting method for; obtaining a thermal image of a measuring space by two-dimensional thermal image detecting method for detecting two-dimensional thermal image information, obtaining position information of an object in the measuring space by object position detecting device, obtaining distance data between said two-dimensional thermal image detecting device and said object from the position information, and correcting the temperature level of the object in the thermal image in the measuring space or correcting the size of the object in the thermal image in said measuring space, using the distance data from the object as correction factor.

Abstract: A tapered, nonconductive structure (10) having a hollow core (18) and a conical tip (14) includes a metal wire (16) within the core (18). The wire (16) is sealed within, and is exposed at the end (22) of, the tip (14). An electrically conductive or semiconductive layer (24) on the exterior of the tip (14) form a point thermocouple contact with the wire. The tip (14) may be fabricated, for example, by placing a metal wire (16) within a tube (12), and heating and pulling the tube (12) to produce two tapered micropipettes. Thereafter, a thin metal or semiconductor film (24) is evaporated onto the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cantilever for separately observing a temperature profile of a surface of a sample and the topography thereof. The cantilever of the present invention comprises a support, a flexible plate one end of which is supported by the support, and a probe provided at the tip of the flexible plate, in which a thermocouple is provided in the probe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-contact temperature, emissivity and area estimation for gray and non-gray (uniform and non-uniform surface emissivity) are disclosed. Optical power measurements are obtained for radiation from a surface of interest in multiple wavelength bands. These power measurements are used to generate an expression for surface emissivity as a function of unknown temperature and surface projected area. At each of series of trial temperatures and areas within a predetermined range of physically plausible values, a value for emissivity at each measured wavelength is obtained. A best fit between these emissivity data points and a selected model emissivity function is obtained by least-squares minimization. The trial temperature and area which yield both the smallest minimum sum of squares and an emissivity value within predetermined physical constraints are concluded to be the temperature and projected surface area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for calibrating a thermal proximity sensor are disclosed. Thermal responses from a thermal proximity sensor are used to sense the instantaneous distance between the sensor and a medium over which the sensor is moved, in a data storage system. Sensing the instantaneous distance results in detection of topographical variations on the medium. Calibration techniques for the sensor are disclosed herein and involve, in one aspect, using primarily electrical measurements to calibrate the sensor; and in another aspect, varying the distance between the sensor and the medium, obtaining actual thermal responses from the sensor, and using the actual responses (via direct comparison or curve fitting) to calibrate the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a magnetoresistive access element used to access data on the medium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and method for decoding high density data encoded in a digital recording media as a series of tags comprising an information bit pattern including a tracking bit pattern. To this end, the invention preferably accesses the data by way of an interferometric near field microscope.

Abstract: A device for measuring the thermal expansion of a sample comprises a measurement radiation generator, a base member incorporating a reference groove and a furnace. The furnace has an external reference contour adapted to cooperate with the reference groove, an internal reference contour adapted to cooperate with a sample and an aperture through which the measurement radiation passes.

Abstract: An energy beam position detector including a shape memory alloy wire positioned at a boundary of acceptable beam trajectory. The wire is held under adjustable tension. A contraction detector monitors contraction of the wire. If the beam strays, is misaligned, or spreads and strikes the wire, the contraction detector can actuate a switch to alert personnel, shut off the beam, or can exert a force to enable other remedial action be taken.

Abstract: A thermoconductive sensor for aligning a laser beam which includes a substrate, a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate to provide electrical insulation, an insulating layer interposed between the dielectric layer and the substrate and a reflective/refractive material embedded in the layer to reflect heat from the layer and to conduct heat through a plurality of fingers. A plurality of serially connected thermocouples communicate with the fingers to provide an output of the changes and the thermoconductivity to then realign the laser beam.

Abstract: A microprobe is constituted by a single crystal having an apex portion surrounded by facets having specific place directions and having specific crystal faces. The microprobe is provided on a part of a main surface of a substrate or a part of a thin film formed on the main surface. In one embodiment the microprobe is provided with a source electrode, a gate electrode, a drain electrode and a thin resistance, so as to form an MOS transistor for amplifying the microprobe.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the deformations of a sample, which deformations particularly result from the relaxation of the stresses to which the samples was previously subjected. The device and method include the use of a cell inside which the sample is placed with the cell containing a thermal mass whose heat capacity and/or thermal conductibility are appreciably greater than those of air under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

Abstract: An Atomic Photo-Absorption Force Microscope 1 includes an Atomic Force Microscope 10 and a radiation source 20 having an output radiation 22 wavelength selected to be preferentially absorbed by atoms or molecules associated with a sample surface 24a under investigation. Absorption of the radiation raises at least one outer shell electron to a higher energy level, resulting in an increase in radius of the atom or molecule. A tip 12 coupled through a lever 14 to the Atomic Force Microscope 10 is scanned over the surface and operates in conjunction with a laser heterodyne interferometer 18 to directly measure the resulting atomic or molecular increase of size, thereby detecting both the presence and location of the atoms or molecules under investingation. Operation in an a.c. mode by chopping the incident radiation 22 and measuring the corresponding a.c. induced tip movement beneficially increases the sensitivity of the technique, particularly if the a.c.

Abstract: A planar thermal radiator for use in outer space is disclosed. The radiator is adapted to rotate on two mutually perpendicular x and y axes which are in x and y planes respectively that are perpendicular to each other and to the planar surfaces of the radiator. It utilizes a plurality of pairs of heat sensors wherein each heat sensor provides a value of electrical resistance which is representative of the incident heat energy along the sensitive axis of that heat sensor. A common heat sensor pair detects incident heat energy which is perpendicular to the radiator. A first plurality of heat sensor pairs is used to detect incident heat energy along sensitive axes that are parallel to the x-plane and a second plurality of heat sensor pairs is used to detect incident heat energy along sensitive axes that are parallel to the y-plane. One sensor of each heat sensor pair is mounted on the opposite surface of the radiator. Each heat sensor pair has an associated heat sensor pair in its respective plurality.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method providing for the automatic temperature measurement with a precision which is required for the correction of errors introduced by temperature in a coordinate measurement made on a workpiece. To achieve this automatic temperature measurement, a self-sufficient sensor assembly is attached to the workpiece carrier or the workpiece itself and includes a temperature sensor, a measuring electronic circuit and a voltage supply. The sensor assembly runs through the material flow on the pallet with the workpiece and wirelessly transmits the measured temperature values of the workpiece to appropriate remote stations.

Abstract: A detector for aligning a laser beam has been provided. The detector includes an insulative substrate, and a thermally conductive planar face attached to the substrate. The face is divided into thermally isolated sectors, each sector having the same shape and area. A corresponding thermal sensitive device is provided for each sector. Each sector is in thermal contact with a corresponding one of the thermal sensitive devices, and each thermal sensitive device produces a response proportional to the amount of laser energy impinging thereon to thereby provide indication of the misalignment of the laser beam relative to the transport path.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for investigating surface structures irrespective of the materials involved. A fine scanning tip is heated to a steady state temperature at a location remote from the structure to be investigated. Thereupon, the scanning tip is moved to a position proximate to, but spaced from the structure. At the proximate position, the temperature variation from the steady state temperature is detected. The scanning tip is scanned across the surface sturcture with the aforesaid temperature variation maintained constant. Piezo electric drivers move the scanning tip both transversely of, and parallel to, the surface structure. Feedback control assures the proper transverse positioning of the scanning tip and voltages thereby generated replicate the surface structure to be investigated.

Abstract: A liquid-filled tube placed next to a generator winding section provides an indication of an abnormal hot spot which may develop along the winding. The tube is filled with a liquid which vaporizes to form a vapor bubble at the hot spot location. Acoustic energy is projected through the liquid in the tube and is normally received at the distal end of the tube. Presence of a vapor bubble blocks the acoustic propagation and forms a reflective surface for the acoustic energy which then is utilized to calculate distance to the vapor bubble. With a known pressure versus temperature relationship, the pressure of the liquid is controlled such that the hot spot temperature may be determined.

Abstract: A thermal wave imaging apparatus generates a real time image of the surface and subsurface of an opaque solid object. A.C. electrical signals indicative of the configuration of the surface and subsurface of the object which are generated during a thermal wave scan of the object by a first heating beam which generates a localized temperature gradient on the object and a deflectable second probe beam heating beam, which deflection is detected by a detection device mounted adjacent to the object, are stored in an image memory under the control of a central processor. A refresh counter generates sequential, incremental signals used to control the X and Y axis deflection of a display monitor. Such signals also address the image memory and generate output data controlling the intensity of the display point at each generated X and Y axis deflection point.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of evaluating the quality of the bond achieved between two members utilizing thermoacoustic microscopy. More particularly, thermoacoustic microscopy is used to detect and/or image the plate-mode resonant signature of bonded members to determine the quality of the bond therebetween. The method is particularly suited for analyzing the integrity of a bond between an integrated circuit die and a substrate. The subject method takes advantage of the fact that the plate-mode signature of a securely bonded die and substrate combination and a poorly bonded combination will be different. Accordingly, by detecting and/or imaging the plate-mode resonant signature of the sample the integrity of the bond can be assessed. Two techniques for carrying out the subject method are disclosed.