Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating high efficiency CIGS solar cells including the deposition of a multi-component metal precursor film on a substrate. The substrate is then inserted into a system suitable for exposing the precursor to a chalcogen to form a chalcogenide TFPV absorber. One or more Na precursors are used to deposit a Na-containing layer on the precursor film in the system. This method eliminates the use of dedicated equipment and processes for introducing Na to the TFPV absorber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing multiple substrates in a processing tool. An apparatus for processing substrates can include a process chamber, a common reactant source, and a common exhaust pump. The process chamber can be configured to process multiple substrates. The process chamber can include a plurality of stacked individual subchambers. Each subchamber can be configured to process one substrate. The common reactant source can be configured to provide reactant to each of the subchambers in parallel. The common exhaust pump can be connected to each of the subchambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a process suitable for coating discrete articles with a zinc-rich, fully alloyed layer. A known method for the corrosion-protection of such articles comprises the steps of hot-dip galvannealing, typically followed by painting. This hot-dip process has however to be performed at a high temperature, thereby submitting the articles to severe thermal stress. A novel vacuum deposition process of Zn is therefore presented. It is characterized in that, in the step of contacting the article with metallic Zn vapor, the temperature of the article is equal to or higher than the dew point of the Zn vapor. The process results in a coating having a uniform thickness, even on less accessible surfaces. The surface roughness is well adapted for the adhesion of paint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a plastic container coated with a thin film that is excellent in gas barrier properties, film coloration and film adhesiveness without using an external electrode having a special shape while suppressing deposition of foreign matters such as carbon powders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing titanium metal, which comprises: (a) a step in which a mixed gas is formed by supplying titanium tetrachloride and magnesium into a mixing space that is held at an absolute pressure of 50-500 kPa and at a temperature not less than 1700° C.; (b) a step in which the mixed gas is introduced into a deposition space; (c) a step in which titanium metal is deposited and grown on a substrate for deposition; and (d) a step in which the mixed gas after the step (c) is discharged. In this connection, the deposition space has an absolute pressure of 50-500 kPa, the substrate for deposition is arranged in the deposition space, and at least a part of the substrate for deposition is held within the temperature range of 715-1500° C.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fabricating polymer-based imprint lithography templates having thin metallic or oxide coated patterning surfaces. Such templates show enhanced fluid spreading and filling (even in absence of purging gases), good release properties, and longevity of use. Methods and systems for fabricating oxide coated versions, in particular, can be performed under atmospheric pressure conditions, allowing for lower cost processing and enhanced throughput.

Abstract: The present invention relates to woven or nonwoven fabric material having antimicrobial activity, and to its uses ranging from wound dressing, facial masks, surgical drapes and surgical clothing, to filter materials and similar applications where the antimicrobial effects are employed, as well as to a process for the preparation of the woven or nonwoven fabric material.

Abstract: Provided are precursors and methods of using same to deposit film consisting essentially of nickel. Certain methods comprise providing a substrate surface; exposing the substrate surface to a vapor comprising a precursor having a structure represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is t-butyl and each R2 is each independently any C1-C3 alkyl group; and exposing the substrate to a reducing gas to provide a film consisting essentially of nickel on the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a metallic alloy composed of Titanium and Tungsten that together form an alloy having a Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), wherein the content of the respective constituents can be adjusted so that the alloy material can be nearly perfectly matched to that of a commonly used semiconductor and ceramic materials. Moreover, alloys of Titanium-Tungsten have excellent electrical and thermal conductivities making them ideal material choices for many electrical, photonic, thermoelectric, MMIC, NEMS, nanotechnology, power electronics, MEMS, and packaging applications. The present invention describes a method for designing the TiW alloy so as to nearly perfectly match the coefficient of thermal expansion of a large number of different types of commonly used semiconductor and ceramic materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.

Abstract: Hydrogen sensor including a substrate (S) on which there is deposited an active layer of material comprising a first element selected from the rare earth family, a second element selected from the platinum group metals (PGMs) and a third element selected from the alkaline earth metal family.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing satisfactory particles held in porous silica. The process comprises (a) the step of preparing porous silica, (b) the step of bringing the porous silica into contact with a liquid which contains either a metal or a compound that has the metal as a component element and infiltrating the liquid into the pores of the porous silica, and (c) the step of subjecting, after the step (b), the impregnated porous silica to a heat treatment to thereby form fine particles comprising the metal or the metal compound in the pores of the porous silica. When porous silica is synthesized by hydrolyzing an alkoxysilane in a solvent-free system, it is possible to synthesize porous silica having a fine pore diameter. Use of this porous silica as a template facilitates formation of particles (e.g., W, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Ni or an oxide of any of these metals) that show peculiar properties not observed in the bulk material.

Abstract: A mold having an open interior volume is used to define patterns. The mold has a ceiling, floor and sidewalls that define the interior volume and inhibit deposition. One end of the mold is open and an opposite end has a sidewall that acts as a seed sidewall. A first material is deposited on the seed sidewall. A second material is deposited on the deposited first material. The deposition of the first and second materials is alternated, thereby forming alternating rows of the first and second materials in the interior volume. The mold and seed layer are subsequently selectively removed. In addition, one of the first or second materials is selectively removed, thereby forming a pattern including free-standing rows of the remaining material. The free-standing rows can be utilized as structures in a final product, e.g., an integrated circuit, or can be used as hard mask structures to pattern an underlying substrate. The mold and rows of material can be formed on multiple levels.

Abstract: A process of treating a coated article and a treated article are disclosed. The process includes providing an article having a MCrAlY coating, applying an aluminide treatment onto the MCrAlY coating to form a treated MCrAlY coating, and outwardly forming ?-phase material from the MCrAlY coating into the treatment. The applying is selected from the group consisting of soaking, spraying, brushing, dipping, pouring, pack cementation, vapor deposition, and combinations thereof. The treated article includes a substrate and a treated MCrAlY coating positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The treated MCrAlY coating includes a ?-phase aluminide in a spray-applied, brush-applied, pour-applied, dip-applied, pack cement-applied, vapor deposit-applied, or soaking-applied treatment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a target for the generation of radiation of photons, protons or electrons by means of a laser, including: forming a support including first and second surfaces connected by openings, and forming in an enclosure a layer of material on the first surface by protecting the first surface with a protection element, injecting into the enclosure a gas of filling material, adjusting the pressure in the enclosure and the temperature of the support to form plugs of material in the openings of the support, and maintaining the temperature of the support and the pressure in the enclosure at values to maintain the plugs, followed by withdrawing the protection clement from the first surface, and forming a layer of metallic material on the first surface of the support and on the plugs. The pressure and support temperature are then modified to remove the plugs.

Abstract: A metamaterial includes a first continuous layer formed with a first material by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a first non-continuous layer formed with a second material by ALD on first upper surface portions of a first upper surface of the first continuous layer, and a second continuous layer formed with the first material by ALD on second upper surface portions of the first upper surface of the first continuous layer and on a second upper surface of the first non-continuous layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid ejection head including a member in which an ejection orifice for ejecting a liquid is formed, and a substrate to which the member is joined. The substrate has a heat storage layer containing a silicon compound and an energy-generating element provided at a position corresponding to the ejection orifice for generating heat by electrification to eject the liquid from the ejection orifice. The energy-generating element has a laminate having a metal layer formed of tantalum or tungsten, an Si layer laminated on the metal layer and formed of silicon and an N layer laminated on the Si layer and formed of nitrogen, and the metal layer is in contact with the heat storage layer.

Abstract: Described are cobalt-containing films, as well as methods for providing the cobalt-containing films. Certain methods pertain to exposing a substrate surface to a precursor and a co-reactant to provide a cobalt-containing film, the first precursor having a structure represented by: wherein each R is independently C1-C6 substituted or un-substituted alkanes, branched or un-branched alkanes, substituted or un-substituted alkenes, branched or un-branched alkenes, substituted or un-substituted alkynes, branched or un-branched alkynes or substituted or un-substituted aromatics, L is a coordinating ligand comprising a Lewis base.

Abstract: A radiant barrier has a layer of a flexible polymer, such as TPO, and a layer of metallic aluminum bonded thereto. A reinforcement layer, such as a fiberglass scrim, and a layer of adhesive, such as EVA, may be used to strengthen the barrier and prevent de-lamination. LDPE may be incorporated into the TPO to increase strength. The barrier may also be a moisture barrier. The layers may be laminated by a heated roll set and the aluminum applied by vapor deposition.

Abstract: An aluminium alloy sheet product or extruded product for fluxless brazing, including an aluminium alloy core having on at least one face an aluminium filler clad layer containing 4% to 15% of Si, the filler clad layer having an inner-surface and an outer-surface, the inner-surface is facing the aluminium alloy core and the outer-surface is facing a coating layer of 2 to 45 mg/sq.m of Bi or of a Bi-based alloy. Furthermore, a method of brazing a brazed assembly incorporating at least one member made from the brazing sheet material.

Abstract: CIGS absorber layers fabricated using coated semiconducting nanoparticles and/or quantum dots are disclosed. Core nanoparticles and/or quantum dots containing one or more elements from group 13 and/or IIIA and/or VIA may be coated with one or more layers containing elements group IB, IIIA or VIA. Using nanoparticles with a defined surface area, a layer thickness could be tuned to give the proper stoichiometric ratio, and/or crystal phase, and/or size, and/or shape. The coated nanoparticles could then be placed in a dispersant for use as an ink, paste, or paint. By appropriate coating of the core nanoparticles, the resulting coated nanoparticles can have the desired elements intermixed within the size scale of the nanoparticle, while the phase can be controlled by tuning the stoichiometry, and the stoichiometry of the coated nanoparticle may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the coating(s).

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a deposition reactor are disclosed. The system and method remove or mitigate formation of residue in a gas-phase reactor used to deposit doped metal films, such as aluminum-doped titanium carbide films or aluminum-doped tantalum carbide films. The method includes a step of exposing a reaction chamber to a treatment reactant that mitigates formation of species that lead to residue formation.

Abstract: Exemplary piston rings are disclosed, comprising a base portion formed of a metallic material, and an outer contact surface extending between opposing side faces of the piston ring. The piston ring may include a coating layer applied to the outer contact surface, with the coating layer including an inner layer and an outer layer. Exemplary methods of making a piston ring are also disclosed, comprising providing a base portion formed of a metallic material, applying an inner layer to an outer surface of the base portion, and applying an outer layer on top of the inner layer.

Abstract: Two methods of producing nano-pads of catalytic metal for growth of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are disclosed. Both methods utilize a shadow mask technique, wherein the nano-pads are deposited from the catalytic metal source positioned under the angle toward the vertical walls of the opening, so that these walls serve as a shadow mask. In the first case, the vertical walls of the photo-resist around the opening are used as a shadow mask, while in the second case the opening is made in a thin layer of the dielectric layer serving as a shadow mask. Both methods produce the nano-pad areas sufficiently small for the growth of the SWCNT from the catalytic metal balls created after high temperature melting of the nano-pads.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing metal containing thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapor phase pulses of metal containing cyclopentadienyl precursors as a metal source material. In preferred embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl reactant comprises a metal atom that is not directly bonded to an oxygen or halide atom. In other embodiments the metal atom is bonded to a cyclopentadienyl compound and separately bonded to at least one ligand via a nitrogen atom. In still other embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl compound comprises a nitrogen-bridged ligand.

Abstract: A metal implant, in particular a dental implant, with a hydrophilic surface for at least partial insertion into a bone, and a method for the production of said implant are described. A particularly advantageous hydrophilic surface for improved osteointegration properties is made available if it is briefly treated, at least in some areas, in a weakly alkaline solution. These excellent osteointegration properties can be achieved in a method in which, optionally after a preceding mechanical surface modification by material removal and/or chemical surface modification, at least the areas exposed of this surface exposed to bone and/or soft tissue are chemically modified in an alkaline solution.

Abstract: The present method of forming an electronic structure includes providing a tantalum base layer and depositing a layer of copper on the tantalum layer, the deposition being undertaken by physical vapor deposition with the temperature of the base layer at 50° C. or less, with the deposition taking place at a power level of 300 W or less.

Abstract: A method for forming a conformal film of aluminum oxide on a substrate having a patterned underlying layer by PEALD includes: adsorbing an Al precursor containing an Al—C bond and an Al—O—C or Al—N—C bond; providing an oxidizing gas and an inert gas; applying RF power to the reactant gas and the reaction-assisting gas to react the adsorbed precursor with the reactant gas on the surface, thereby forming a conformal film of aluminum oxide on the patterned underlying layer of the substrate, wherein the substrate is kept at a temperature of about 200° C. or lower.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming modified metal coatings on a gas turbine engine component (20). The gas turbine engine component (20) is placed inside a container (50) having a known volume, along with a source material (32) containing a secondary element. The container (50), gas turbine engine component (20), and the source material (32) inside the container are placed into an oxygen-depleted space (18) inside a reaction chamber (12). At least one temperature for the source material (32) is determined based upon the known volume of the container (50) and an amount of the source material (32). While in the oxygen-depleted space (18), the source material (32) is heated to the at least one temperature sufficient to release a vapor phase reactant (35) containing the secondary element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for depositing complex thin-film alloys on substrates are provided. In particular, systems and methods for the deposition of thin-film Cd1-xMxTe ternary alloys on substrates using a stacked-source sublimation system are provided, where M is a metal such as Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu.

Abstract: Provided an antimicrobial substance that includes a base material layer, and a copper-tin alloy layer 5-200 nm in thickness disposed on the base material layer, the copper-tin alloy layer containing copper in an amount of more than 60 atomic percent but not more than 90 atomic percent, and containing tin in an amount of not less than 10 atomic percent but less than 40 atomic percent. The copper-tin alloy layer includes a Cu41Sn11 crystalline phase, and a Cu3Sn crystalline phase. The Q value (?/(nm·Cu atomic percent)), which is derived by dividing the sheet resistance (?) of the copper-tin alloy layer by the thickness of the copper-tin alloy layer and the copper content (Cu atomic percent), is 1.5×10?4-6.0×10?4.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprises a substrate and a multi-layer coating on its outer surface, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a polymerizable composition that includes an olefin group and a moisture curable group, such as an isocyanate or silane group. The function of the polymeric layer includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. A production process for the composite sheet includes depositing the precursor and exposing it to both beam radiation and moisture, which respectively promote polymerization and curing at different sites of the precursor. The amenability of the isocyanate or silane functionality to moisture-promoted coupling promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even of portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the productivity of a permanent magnet and to manufacture it at a low cost by effectively coating Dy and Tb on a surface of the magnet of Fe—B-rare earth elements having a predetermined configuration. The permanent magnet of the present invention is manufactured by a coating step for coating Dy on the surface of the magnet of Fe—B-rare earth elements having a predetermined configuration and a diffusing step for diffusing Dy coated on the surface of the magnet into crystal grain boundary phases of the magnet with being heat treated at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include low emissivity (low-E) coatings and methods for forming the coatings. The low-E coating comprises a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a glass substrate, where one surface of the SAM is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to the glass substrate, and one surface of the monolayer is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to a metal layer. In some embodiments, the low-E coating comprises an assembly of one or more monomeric subunits of the following structure: Si—(CnHy)-(LM)m where n is from 1 to 20, y is from 2n-2 to 2n, m is 1 to 3, L is a Group VI element, and M is a metal, such as silver. In some embodiments, (CnHy) can be branched, crosslinked, or cyclic. The coating can further comprise an antireflection coating on the metal layer.

Abstract: A method of depositing solder material onto a substrate. The method includes adjusting a pressure within a vacuum chamber, the substrate being supported within the vacuum chamber. A temperature of the substrate is reduced such that the absolute temperature of the substrate is no greater than 20% of a melting temperature of the solder material The absolute temperature is maintained while solder material is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: This invention discloses the synthesis of metal chalcogenides using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, or wet solution process. Ligand exchange reactions of organosilyltellurium or organosilylselenium with a series of metal compounds having neucleophilic substituents generate metal chalcogenides. This chemistry is used to deposit germanium-antimony-tellurium (GeSbTe) and germanium-antimony-selenium (GeSbSe) films or other tellurium and selenium based metal compounds for phase change memory and photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: The novel method can produce a grooved profile metalized polymeric film capable of generating a rainbow iridescent effect without mechanically embossing the film. The method calls for applying a thin uniform thickness coating layer of thermally deformable polymer composition on a thermally stable base layer. Process operating conditions are controlled to heat the composite coating layer surface effectively such that light diffraction-scale grooves of about 5,000-10,000 grooves/cm develop in the coating layer. The grooves are created by shocking the coating layer surface with a sudden burst of heat supplied by film metalization after coating layer application.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of the ruthenium-containing precursor having the formula (Rn-chd)Ru(CO)3, wherein: (Rn-chd) represents a cyclohexadiene (chd) ligand substituted with n substituents R, any R being in any position on the chd ligand; n is an integer comprised between 1 and 8 (1?n?8) and represents the number of substituents on the chd ligand; R is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 linear or branched alkyls, alkylamides, alkoxides, alkylsilylamides, amidinates, carbonyl and/or fluoroalkyl for R being located in any of the eight available position on the chd ligand, while R can also be oxygen O for substitution on the C positions in the chd cycle which are not involved in a double bond for the deposition of a Ru containing film on a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speaker dome comprising: a polycrystalline diamond dome body formed of a material of high stiffness with a Young's modulus greater than 50 GPa and having respective inner and outer surfaces; and a coating on at least one side of the dome body, wherein the coating comprises an optically refractive metal compound layer which is semi-transparent and which forms one or more colours via interference of reflected light from front and rear surfaces of the layer. The invention also relates to a diamond component comprising: a diamond body; and a coating on at least one side of the diamond body; wherein the coating comprises at-least two layers including a first layer bonded to the at least one side of the diamond body and a second layer disposed over the first layer, the second layer being an optically refractive metal compound coating which is semi-transparent and which forms one or more colours via interference of reflected light from front and rear surfaces of the second layer.

Abstract: Methods for controlling crystal size in bulk tungsten layers are disclosed herein. Methods for depositing a bulk tungsten metal layer can include positioning a substrate with a barrier layer in a processing chamber, forming a tungsten nucleation layer, post-treating the nucleation layer with one or more treatment gas cycles including an activating gas and a purging gas, heating the substrate to a deposition temperature, and depositing a bulk tungsten layer with alternating nitrogen flow on the nucleation layer. The post-treatment cycling can be applied optionally to the bulk metal deposition with alternating nitrogen flow.

Abstract: A method for producing a coating of one or more layers on an extrusion die as a substrate body of a heat-resistant and/or long-term heat-resistant steel material by means of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), comprising the steps of: providing the substrate body from hot-work tool steel, which is intended for interacting with ductile extrusion metal, introducing a first reaction gas, comprising a metal, in particular titanium, into a reactor receiving the substrate body, to provide a coating metal, introducing a second reaction gas, comprising a carbon compound, into the reactor, to provide carbon for the coating, wherein the first and/or the second reaction gas or a further reaction gas provide(s) nitrogen for the coating, and carrying out a CVD coating process with the reaction gases.

Abstract: Methods and precursors are provided for deposition of elemental manganese films on surfaces using metal coordination complexes comprising an eta-3-bound monoanionic four-electron donor ligands selected from amidinate, mixed ene-amido and allyl, or eta-2 bound amidinate ligand. The ligands are selected from amidinate, ene-amido, and allyl.

Abstract: A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a sports equipment component. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sports equipment component providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath; heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the sports equipment component in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sports equipment component may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.

Abstract: An article may include a substrate, a diffusion barrier layer formed on the substrate, and a protective layer formed on the diffusion barrier coating. The diffusion barrier layer may include iridium.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a substrate with a metal body. This method provides excellent film-forming properties (reflectance and adhesion), is easy to be used on a large substrate, and can be carried out at a low cost. The method includes the steps of: (A) heating a complex to a first temperature so as to generate a vapor of the complex; and (B) contacting the vapor with a substrate heated to a second temperature that is not higher than the first temperature so as to form a metal body containing a central metal of the complex, either in uncombined form or as a compound thereof (exclusive of the complex), on at least part of a surface of the substrate. The second temperature in step (B) is lower than the decomposition temperature of the complex. The central metal of the complex is aluminum or titanium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facility for the continuous vacuum deposition of a metal coating on a substrate in motion, comprising a vacuum deposition enclosure (24), at least one vapor jet deposition head (25,26) connected to an evaporator pot (9) designed to contain the coating metal in liquid form (11), through a vapor supply pipe (20) provided with a distribution valve (19), and a melting furnace (1) for said metal, said furnace being at atmospheric pressure, located below the lowest portion of the evaporator pot (9) and connected to the evaporator pot (9) by at least one automatic supply pipe (8) of the evaporator pot (9) provided with a supply pump (6) and by at least one liquid metal return pipe (8A,18) optionally provided with a valve (16,17), regulating means for the supply pump (6) further being present to regulate a determined liquid metal level in the evaporator pot (9), characterized in that it comprises, in each said supply and return pipes (8; 8A,18), a so-called heat valve area (7,13,15)

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating optical measuring equipment includes optically measuring discrete objects of a first known predictable pattern from a calibration apparatus, wherein the first known predictable pattern is a bit pattern. A recording surface optical reader is calibrated based on the optically measuring. Using the first known predictable pattern, contamination is filtered from the results of the optically measuring.

Abstract: A radiative surface comprises a film comprising: a semi-interpenetrated or interpenetrated network of a first ion-conducting polymer and of a second electron- and electrochrome-conducting polymer; and an electrolyte for impregnating the network; the film comprising a first face intended to be in contact with the solar radiations, the first face being covered with a first metallic layer in order to reduce the absorptivity of the solar radiations. A method for creating the radiative surface is also provided.

Abstract: A metallized barrier material comprising a base material, a metallized layer and a protective coating. The base material has a first surface and a second surface. The metallized layer is vapor deposited on the first surface of the base material to a desired optical density. The protective coating is applied to the metallized layer, wherein the protective coating comprises a butyl methacrylate or a combination of an epoxy component and an acrylic component wherein the epoxy component has an EEW of less than 800.