Abstract: Techniques for adjusting the surface acousic wave velocity of a packaged SAW device are described. A first technique involves depositing a film from a cover of the device onto a surface wave propagating surface thereby providing a localized region on said surface where the acoustic properties and, hence, the velocity characteristics of the surface wave propagating surface are altered. An alternate embodiment of a pair of beams are directed through a transparent cover and converge on the surface wave propagating surface, selectively removing a portion of said surface to provide a localized alteration in the acoustic properties of the surface wave propagating surface.

Abstract: An optical molding method includes the step of radiating a light flux onto a photocurable fluid substance while moving the light flux in such a manner as to draw a section of a target object so as to cure the irradiated portion. A plurality of light fluxes having different diameters is used in such a manner that only a light flux having a large diameter, or both a light flux having a large diameter and a light flux having a small diameter are used for a section having a thickness larger than the diameter of the light flux having a large diameter, while only a light flux having a small diameter is used for a section having a thickness smaller than the diameter of the light flux having a large diameter.

Abstract: An energy polymerizable composition and process therefore, comprising a cationically polymerizable material and a catalytically effective amount of an ionic salt of an organometallic complex cation as polymerization initiator, said ionic salt of an organometallic complex cation being capable of adding an intermediate strength nucleophile or upon photolysis capable of liberating at least one coordination site, said metal in said organometallic complex cation being selected from elements of Periodic Groups IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIIIB are disclosed. Certain of the organometallic metallic polymerization initiators are novel cationic salts.

Abstract: A laser vapor deposition apparatus includes a vacuum chamber which includes an exhaust port and in which a material to be vaporized and a substrate are enclosed, a laser beam source for irradiating the material to be vaporized with a laser beam so as to deposit from the material a desired compound onto the substrate, and a gas supply source which supplies to the surface of the material, a gas that can prevent changes in property of the material which could be caused by the laser beam irradiation.

Abstract: A method for patterning electroless plated metal on a polymer substrate. In a first embodiment a substrate is first coated with a polymer suitable for complexing a seed metal which can initiate electroless plating. The polymer is then mixed with a seed metal such as palladium, selectively irradiated to form the desired conductor pattern, and then etched so that the desired pattern remains. The substrate is subsequently placed in an electroless plating bath to form a metal pattern. In a second embodiment, before applying the seed metal a substrate immersed in a polymer solution suitable for complexing a seed metal can be selectively irradiated to selectively deposit polymer on the substrate, followed by applying a seed metal to form a polymer-seed metal mixture and an electroless plating bath. In addition, an alkaline chemical may be added to an acidic polymer to prevent the polymer from etching metal on the substrate.

Abstract: A rotating cylindrical target has material ablated therefrom by a laser beam trained to contact the surface along a line parallel to the rotation axis, thereby avoiding problems of crater formation which arise with disc-shaped targets.

Abstract: A thin film formation method includes the steps of holding a substrate in a reduced-pressure vapor phase reaction chamber having means for irradiating light in visible and ultraviolet ranges, supplying an organo-titanium compound containing a tri-azo group, and vapor-depositing a titanium nitride film on a surface of the substrate by an excitation reaction caused by light.

Abstract: Thin films of boron nitride are grown on single crystal silicon substrates using laser deposition techniques. The films are characterized by essentially a single crystal throughout and having a cubic structure which is in epitaxial registry with the underlying silicon substrate.

Abstract: An optical device made by treating, such as by a laser beam, a preselected portion of a silica gel monolithic body to obtain a density for the treated portion different from the density of the body.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, wherein said electromagnetic radiation possesses a wavelength generally in the range of from about 1000 Angstroms to about 50 meters, wherein said composition comprises a polyaniline composition of the formula ##STR1## where y can be equal to or greater than zero, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group containing of H, --OCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.3, --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, NR.sup.3 .sub.2, --NHCOR.sup.3, --OH, --O.sup.-, SR.sup.3, --OCOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --COR.sup.3, --CHO, and --CN, where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group.

Abstract: A method for processing semiconductor material for annealing or circuitizing purposes, includes establishing a high intensity light which is controlled at a high repetition rate, and exposing it toward the surface of the semiconductor material to process it in an improved manner. The high speed light is directed transversely to the surface of the material to be processed, only to a shallow depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for achieving and maintaining an inert atmosphere as oxygen-deficient as possible in a treatment chamber, having a reaction zone, particularly an irradiation chamber, traversed by a length of material, wherein the length of material is supplied to the chamber through an inlet channel and conducted from the chamber through an outlet channel. A circulating inert gas stream, which detaches the entrained gas boundary layer held by the material, is moved countercurrently to the length of material in the inlet channel and is supplemented in a controlled manner with fresh inert gas in such amount that a given maximum oxygen concentration is not exceeded in the reaction zone and the flow rate of the inert gas stream is controlled, so that the pressure before the exit gap of the outlet channel is the same or slightly higher than the surrounding pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming connections between copper conductors disposed on a substrate includes the steps of coating the copper conductors with a layer of nickel, exposing the coated copper conductors to a gas which includes a tungsten-bearing compound, and irradiating the substrate with a laser beam to deposit the tungsten between the copper conductors. A system for forming connections between copper conductors disposed on a substrate, includes means for coating the copper conductors with a layer of nickel, means for exposing the coated copper conductors to a gas which includes a tungsten-bearing compound, and means for irradiating the substrate with a laser beam to deposit the tungsten between the copper conductors.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system and method for curing a stereolithographically-produced part, including at least some material that is no more than partially transformed, by exposing the part to off-peak-absorptive wavelengths of synergistic stimulation to achieve a more uniform cure.

Abstract: A method for preservation treatment of wood comprises the steps of radiating a laser beam on a part of the surface of the wood at the least to form small holes therein, impregnating the wood with a preservative, and then applying high frequency waves to the wood to dry it by dielectric heating.

Abstract: A method of forming solid lubricant pockets in boron based and boron containing ceramic materials (i.e. boron carbide) by nitrogen ion implantation and laser annealing. By employing the present method said solid lubricant pockets may be formed in approximately the first 750 Angstroms of the surface and near surface regions of, for example, a polycrystalline boron carbide sample. Moreover, the present invention enables one to direct the formation of solid lubricants to specific areas on the boron based or boron containing ceramics to meet a specific need. The product of the present invention is a ceramic having a reduced coefficient of friction, greater durability, and reduced chipping and fracture.

Abstract: A method of making an optical device is described, in which an optical fibre having a free end is provided. The free end of the optical fibre is contacted with a curable material and the material on curing is capable of forming around the free end, a member having light-scattering properties. The material is cured in a manner to produce the member with an isotropic surface. Typically, the curable material contacted by the free end is in the form of a droplet suspended in a liquid and the material is preferably cured by passing laser radiation along the optical fibre towards its free end.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a flexible superconductive composite wire by drawing a wire of noble metal through a melt formed from solid superconducting material. The preferred superconducting material comprises the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O class of materials.

Abstract: A method of forming an artificial diamond, comprising applying a laser beam to a glassy solid carbon material, while moving a point on the glassy solid carbon material at which the laser beam is applied, to form a locally fused portion thereon, whereby every part of the locally fused portion is cooled as the point moves away therefrom. During cooling of the locally fused portion, an artificial diamond is formed in adjacent regions on both sides of the solidified locally fused portion.

Abstract: A laser sputtering apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a laser for radiating a laser beam, a vacuum sealing window arranged at the chamber for introducing the beam into the chamber, a film transporting device for transporting a film while the film is passing near the window and a substrate holder arranged opposite to the window with the film therebetween for holding a substrate. The film has high laser transmission and a surface over which material for a thin film to be formed on the substrate is deposited. The device transports the film while the surface of the film is opposed to the substrate. The laser beam sputters the material on the thin film onto the substrate.

Abstract: The invention generally is accomplished by a casting of a liquid metallo-organic ceramic precursor solution to form a layer on a substrate. This layer is then heated to a low temperature to create an amorphous layer. Then a selected area is heated to a high temperature by localized heating to create a patterned area of polycrystalline ceramic having electro-optic properties.

Abstract: A finely divided metal-containing compound can be efficiently prepared by irradiating a mixed vapor phase of an organometallic compound in a concentration to exceed a specified lower limit and a reactant gaseous compound with laser beams having an incident energy density to exceed a specified lower limit. When the reactant gaseous compound in the vapor phase is an oxygen-containing compound, e.g., air, the resultant powdery product is an oxide of the metallic element of the organometallic compound. When the reactant gaseous compound in the vapor phase is a halogen-containing compound, e.g., methyl halides, the resultant powdery product is a halide of the metallic element of the organometallic compound.

Abstract: A conductive interconnection (27) on a substrate (11) is made by applying a metal-organic compound (25) to the substrate, exposing the metal-organic compound to laser beam radiation (14) in which the power level has been ramped to some specific level and, thereafter, moving the substrate with respect to the laser beam. The movement of the substrate is at an applied rate of speed such that the temperature within the metal-organic compound impinged by the laser beam is properly ramped with respect to time. This leaves a dependable metal deposition (27) which may be monitored through a viewing system (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry method for depositing a material on a substrate having nucleating sites for the material which includes deposition of a material in the vapor phase on the substrate and simultaneous ablation of the substrate by ablation methods for controlled removal of the nucleating sites from the substrate. The removal of the nucleating sites is controlled to minimize or selectively prevent coating of the substrate by the material. The method can be used to form material patterns on the substrate such as electrical circuits or for adhering material to a substrate that is difficult to metallize such as organic polymers or ceramics.

Abstract: Metal is photolytically deposited from solution onto a substrate in contact with the solution by irradiating with light a solution containing a solubilized metal and a tetraarylborate compound capable of promoting the photoreduction of the metal onto the substrate.

Abstract: Carbonyl-containing polymer films, such as PET, are selectively metallized y contacting the films with a layer or film of metal, such as aluminum, and then irradiating selected portions of the surface of the film with infrared radiation thereby heating those selected portions of the film. The metal on or opposite the irradiated portions of the surface adhere to the film. The remaining metal may be readily removed. The process provides surprisingly good spatial resolution. The present process is particularly useful in the production of microcontacts for circuit boards.

Abstract: Light from a Q-switched laser passes through a metal-containing gas and through a field oxide of an integrated circuit structure. The laser light is preferentially absorbed by an underlying substrate. The substrate, but not the oxide, is heated above a threshold temperature that allows rapid chemical vapor deposition of metal through a relatively deep via hole in the oxide. The oxide has low thermal conductivity. The upper portions of the via hole walls are not heated enough to allow deposition of metal thereon. The via hole therefore can be uniformly filled by deposition of the metal on the bottom of the via hole, with no obstruction or shadowing from buildup of deposited metal on the upper wall portions of the via hole.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laser-marking plastic articles without unduly damaging the plastic. The method comprises coating the plastic with a contrasting color layer, and intermediate the color layer and the plastic, a protective layer of a dried coverage of at least 1.5 g/m.sup.2.Optionally, the ablation can be carried out beyond the stripe portion to be marked, to clear away any debris from the white support that otherwise can be left behind by the ablation.

Abstract: From a solution comprising a salt of a noble metal, for example Pd, and ammonia or amine a metal track is deposited on a substrate surface which may be an insulator, semiconductor or conductor, by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: An improved sterolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being specially processed to reduce curl and distortion, and increase resolution, strength, accuracy, speed and economy of reproduction even for rather difficult object shapes, and successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that rapid thermal processing (RTP) can convert hydrogen silsesquioxane resin coatings to ceramic silica coatings. This technique is especially valuable for the application of protective and dielectric layers on electronic devices.

Abstract: For producing a fiberoptic waveguide preforms by plasma pulse-induced chemical vapor deposition (PICVD), blank glass tubes are prepared having a continuously increasing internal diameter in the direction of gas flow. This type of blank compensates for the otherwise occurring decrease in the density of the layer-forming molecules due to pressure drop, thereby permitting the formation of a uniform masswise deposition of layer-forming molecules along the length of the tube. This permits the production of collapsed preforms having a series of coating layers of substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic coating on a substrate comprises immersing the substrate such as stainless steel in an aqueous solution containing a silicic acid compound such as sodium silicate and/or a metal salt of oxygen acid such as an aluminate, and irradiating the substrate with a laser beam. By this method, a dense and fine ceramic coating can be uniformly formed on the substrate without using an apparatus of large scale required in the gas phase method and without heating the system to a high temperature.

Abstract: Process for electrically connecting non-planar electronic elements to a motherboard. A radiation sensitive metallic conversion compound is applied as a coating which extends at least between electrical connection sites on the electronic element and motherboard. The metallic conversion coating is then selectively irradiated by laser to convert the coating into a metallic electrical connection which extends between the non-planar electronic element and motherboard.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for modifying polymer surfaces by contacting the surface with a selected organic modifying agent while irradiating the surface with ultraviolet and/or visible light that can be absorbed by the modifier. Patterns of modified and unmodified surfaces can be produced. Polymers with modified surfaces are useful for absorbing biologically active molecules, composites, printing plates and electronics.

Abstract: A substrate (35) is coated by using starting materials which are supplied in the form of clusters (28). The clusters are disintegrated into their molecular or atomic constituents, and the constituents are deposited on the substrate in the form of compact layers (34). In this manner it is attained that the layers have a defined structure and do not exhibit inclusions in the form of foreign molecules.

Abstract: A rotating cylindrical target surface is provided for the laser ablation process of depositing thin films on a substrate. The target is mounted in a vacuum chamber so that it may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical surface target and simultaneously translated along the longitudinal axis. A laser beam is focused by a cylindrical lens onto the target surface along a line that is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to spread the plume of ablated material over a greater radial arc. The plume may be spread in the longitudinal direction by providing a concave or convex lateral target surface. The angle of incidence of the focused laser beam may be other than normal to the target surface to provide a more glancing geometry. Simultaneous roation about and translation along the longitudinal axis produce a smooth and even ablation of the entire cylindrical target surface and a steady evaporation plume.

Abstract: A process for producing coated glass yarns which comprises drawing a plurality of fibers formed from strands of molten glass, applying to the strands a sizing coating comprising at least a monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oligomer and a photostarter composition such as a photoinitiator compound, a photosensitizer compound or a mixture thereof and optionally an organic solvent and an additive composition comprising at least one of a wetting agent, an adhesion promoting agent, an antishrinking agent and a coupling agent, gathering the coated strands into a yarn and irradiating the coated yarn with a source of actinic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous manufacture of high temperature superconducting wires is disclosed. A core on which the superconductive ceramic substance is caused to directionally solidify from the melt is drawn through the melt in such a manner as to obtain an oriented microstructure conductive to high critical current carrying capacity. This also produces a macrostructure with appropriate mechanical strength and flexibility independently of the superconducting substance chosen.

Abstract: A method of forming a superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x thin film with selected crystal orientation is described which comprises the steps of sputtering simultaneously Y, Ba and Cu onto the surface of a substrate, introducing oxygen at said surface during deposition, controlling the stoichiometry of the elements Y, Ba or both richer or poorer than the 1:2:3 stoichiometry within a few atom percent and followed by annealing to selectively grow an a-axis or a c-axis oriented film of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a liquid transfer article for use in transferring the liquid to another surface comprising the steps of:(a) coating an article with at least one layer of a coating material selected from the group consisting of ceramic and metallic carbides;(b) superimposing over the coated surface a removable mask material of discontinuous material opaque to a beam of radiation of a selected energy level;(c) directing a laser having a beam of radiation of said selected energy level onto the coated surface of the article so as to produce in the area of the coated surface not covered by the discontinuous material a pattern of wells adapted for receiving liquid and wherein said pattern of wells is defined by the area of the coated surface which is not covered by the discontinuous material; and(d) removing the mask material from the coated article.

Abstract: A carbon chalcogenide macromolecular composition prepared from carbon dichalcogenide and to a process for the preparation thereof. A carbon dichalcogenide, for example, carbon disulfide, in entrained in an inert gas, and the mixture formed therefrom is passed over a hot tungsten filament wherein carbon disulfide is degraded into fragments. The fragments are then deposited onto a surface of a nonreactive substrate. The deposited fragments recombine to form the macromolecular composition. A significant characteristic of the composition is its threshold voltage above which its electrical resistance drops precipitously. This characteristic also exhibits a unique temperature dependence. Dopants may be added to the composition to reduce the electrical resistance.

Abstract: Optically nonlinear device elements such as directional couplers, switches, frequency stabilizers, optical parameters devices and modulators use as an optically nonlinear element a cross-linked triazine polymer containing a covalently bonded optically nonlinear dye moiety. A specific cross-linked triazine with this dye moiety may be made by cyclotrimerizing a p-(N,N-bis(4'-cyanatobenzyl)amino-p'-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)azobenzene monomer. During polycyclotrimerization or cure, the element is subjected to a poling voltage which aligns the dipoles of the dye moiety to give a large useful nonlinear susceptibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containinga) at least one organic polymer andb) a dibenzalacetone palladium complex of formula I ##STR1## which is homogeneously dissolved in said polymer but is not copolymerisable therewith, in which formula IR.sup.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkoxy or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl,R.sup.2 has one of the meanings of R.sup.1 or is also an amino, nitro or cyano group, an --O--C.sub.m H.sub.2mn OR.sup.4 or --O--CH.sub.2 --CH.OR.sup.4 --CH.sub.2.OR.sup.5 radical or a halogen atom or a glycidyl ether radical,R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or the two groups R.sup.3 together form a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 polymethylene chain,R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have one of the meanings of R.sup.1,q is a value from 1 to 3.5,m is a value from 2 to 6 andn is a value from 0 to 20, with the proviso that the composition does not contain a polymer with an olefinic double bond.

Abstract: A laser plasma spray apparatus for depositing a feed material onto a substrate includes a nozzle having a plasma confinement chamber into which a laser beam is focused, the focal point being at a distance sufficiently far from the substrate that the substrate is not melted. Finely divided feed material in a carrier gas flow is fed axially into the confinement chamber along the direction of the laser beam and melted in the plasma formed in the interaction of the laser beam, the feed material, and the gas at the focal point. The melted feed material is then directed to deposit onto the substrate, while the plasma energy is largely confined within the apparatus by the confinement chamber and a constriction in the flow path upstream of the confinement chamber.

Abstract: A component is fabricated by depositing a succession of overlying beads of a material, the pattern and position of the beads being assigned the proper characteristics of the corresponding section of the desired component. Shape definition is accomplished by characterizing the component as a series of sections or slices having the thickness of the bead, and programming a computer-controlled deposition head to deposit a succession of beads with the respective patterns and positions. Deposition is preferably by precision laser welding. Complex shapes having properties comparable to properties of forged or cast material are readily prepared. The material used in successive beads may be varied, producing a component of graded composition to achieve particular properties in various regions.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a silicon oxide layer is shown. In the method, Si.sub.2 Cl.sub.6 is used as silicon oxide gas of the process gas. The silicon oxide layer is formed with a very low density of natural oxide which has been removed by free chlorine atoms, a byproduct of the process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a non-flammable plating resist with improved adhesion and edge covering characteristics which permits its selective removal by an ordinary laser ablation process or an energy efficient laser assisted process, and to the preferred method in using same to selectively plate a metal substrate, such as a nickel plated, electrically conductive metal with a precious metal. The preferred method comprises the steps of applying a thin uniform layer of such resist onto the substrate and drying the same in situ to a thickness greater than 100 microinches and less than 500 microinches, and drying same in situ, where such resist (a) is resistant to deterioration by chemical plating solutions of such precious metal, (b) is readily strippable in alkaline solutions, and (c) has a flashpoint in excess of 100.degree. F. A preferred formulation for such resist comprises, by weight, the following:______________________________________ Styrene acrylic co-polymer 61.5% suspension Butyl cellosolve 3.

Abstract: A method for the formation of monomolecular adsorption films of a silane compound having a diacetylene bond is described. The silane compound is chemically adsorbed on a substrate through .dbd.SiO-- bonds and the resultant film is significantly reduced in number of defects such as pinholes. When the monomolecular film is irradiated with actinic light, the diacetylene bonds are convered into a conjugated diacetylene polymer. Similarly, a built-up film of a desired number of monomolecular layers of a silane compound having an acetylene bond formed on a substrate by chemical adsorption and a corresponding number of monomolecular layers of an aliphatic acid or alcohol having an acetylene bond and alternately deposited on the first-mentioned layer is also provided.

Abstract: A connection electrodes producing method has a step of forming resin layer which can be softened after hardened, on a circuit substrate on which an electrode pattern is formed. Then, only the resin layer material on the electrode pattern is cured and left. Thereafter, conductive particles are adhered to only the resin layer on the electrode pattern by softening the resin layer and by scattering the conductive particles on the circuit substrate with the softened resin layer.