Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a recording layer including a plurality of regions formed in the depth direction of the recording layer and a magnetic anisotropy constant of a region relatively deeper than another region, among the plurality of regions, is greater than that of the another region. The method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes: forming a recording layer having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; and irradiating the recording layer with ions.

Abstract: A process for the production of strongly adherent coatings on an inorganic or organic substrate is provided, wherein in a first step a) a low temperature plasma, a corona discharge or a flame is caused to act on the inorganic or organic substrate, in a second step b) one or more photoinitiators or mixtures of photoinitiators with monomers, containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, or solutions, suspensions or emulsions of the afore-mentioned substances, are applied at normal pressure to the inorganic or organic substrate, in a third step c) using suitable methods those afore-mentioned substances are dried and irradiated with electromagnetic waves and, optionally, in a fourth step d1) the substrate so pretreated is provided with a coating and the coating is cured or dried.

Abstract: An anti-glare film, a method for manufacturing the anti-glare film, and a display device provided with the anti-glare film are provided. The anti-glare film includes fine irregularities formed on a surface of the anti-glare film, and wherein arithmetic mean roughness Ra of a roughness curve of the surface is 0.05 to 0.5 micrometers, and root mean square slope R?q is 0.003 to 0.05 micrometers.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic loading of drugs on an implantable medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a Lithographic Printing Plate comprising the steps of, selecting a substrate for making of the printing plate from a natural or synthetic polymeric sheet element material having a tensile strength in the range of 400 to 3000 Kgm/cm2 and thickness ranging from 75 microns to 250 microns; shrinking the said substrate to have shrinkage in the range of 0.2 to 2.0% by exposing the substrate to heat of temperatures ranging from 140 to 180 degrees Celsius for 8 to 12 minutes; subbing the substrate to alter the surface energy of the substrate; forming a hydrophilic lithographic coating by reacting a hydrophilic binder with a cross linking agent, an accelerator, at least one pigment, at least one cationic surfactant and particulate silica having micron size ranging between 1 to 5 microns and a pore volume ranging between 0.2 ml/gm to 1.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists in controlling the growth and stoichiometry of the film. The method allows for the fabrication of ultrathin films such as electrolyte films and dielectric films.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more lubricated surfaces of an article to reduce the break-out force and sliding frictional force. A lubricant is applied to one or more surfaces, and the lubricant-coated surface is treated by exposing the surface to an energy source, wherein the energy source is an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure, gamma radiation, or electron beam radiation. One or more of the surfaces may be exposed to the ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure prior to application of the lubricant. Another aspect of the invention is articles produced using one or more methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition which comprises a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, a surfactant and optionally an adhesion-promoting polymer. This mixture is suitable for inline coating of biaxially oriented polyester films. The thus obtained films feature a characteristic hydrophilic surface which prevents the fogging of the films with water droplets.

Abstract: A biased pulse DC reactor for sputtering of oxide films is presented. The biased pulse DC reactor couples pulsed DC at a particular frequency to the target through a filter which filters out the effects of a bias power applied to the substrate, protecting the pulsed DC power supply. Films deposited utilizing the reactor have controllable material properties such as the index of refraction. Optical components such as waveguide amplifiers and multiplexers can be fabricated processes performed on a reactor according to the present inention.

Abstract: The invention describes a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape of the kind which can be used in particular for achieving very durable bonds at high temperatures. These adhesive tapes, especially adhesive assembly tapes for the permanent fixing of articles to substrates, are preferably of multilayer construction. The inventive double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are characterized in that the viscoelastic carrier layer is composed of a photoinitiator-free, thermally homogeneously crosslinked acrylate hotmelt. They are further characterized in that these homogeneously thermally crosslinked acrylate hotmelts have crosslinking sites by way of urethane units. This viscoelastic carrier layer is covered on both sides in each case by adhesive layers, preferably pressure-sensitive adhesive layers. These layers are connected by chemical reaction to the viscoelastic carrier layer.

Abstract: A granular perpendicular magnetic recording medium, comprising: (a) a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; and (b) a layer stack on the substrate surface, the layer stack including a granular perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed by: (1) reactively sputtering a target comprised of a magnetic alloy in an atmosphere containing at least one ionized oxygen species derived from a source gas comprised of a compound of oxygen and at least one other non-metallic element; and (2) oxidizing an exposed upper surface of the granular perpendicular magnetic recording layer by generating a plasma containing at least one ionized oxygen species derived from a source gas comprised of a compound of oxygen and at least one other non-metallic element and treating the exposed upper surface of the granular perpendicular magnetic recording layer with the plasma.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented saturated polyester film made by a biaxial orientation method, includes a heat-seal side formed in at least one of two sides of the film, the heat-seal side being made by applying a low-temperature plasma treatment to a film surface so that the film surface has a composition ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the number of carbon atoms, the composition ratio being not less than 105% and not more than 115% of a theoretical value and so that the heat-seal side is heat sealable at a heating temperature ranging from 100° C. to 200° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a superconductive device is provided, including providing a substrate having a dimension ratio of not less than about 102, depositing a buffer film to overlie the substrate by ion beam assisted deposition utilizing and ion beam, monitoring spatial ion beam density of the ion beam over a target area, and depositing a superconductor layer to overlie the buffer film. Monitoring may be carried out by utilizing an ion detector having an acceptance angle of not less than 10°.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrochromic device, includes the steps of: providing a first electron conducting layer on a substrate, providing a working electrode in communication with the first electron conducting layer, providing an ion conducting layer in communication with the working electrode, providing an ion storage electrode in communication with the ion conducting layer, and providing a second electron conducting layer in communication with the ion storage electrode, wherein at least one and less than all of the providing steps include(s) plasma chemical vapor deposition. An electrochromic device produced by the method of the invention is disclosed, as is an apparatus adapted to perform the method of the invention, including plasma CVD devices and vacuum sputtering devices.

Abstract: Method and system for functionalizing a collection of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A selected precursor gas (e.g., H2 or F2 or CnHm) is irradiated to provide a cold plasma of selected target particles, such as atomic H or F, in a first chamber. The target particles are directed toward an array of CNTs located in a second chamber while suppressing transport of ultraviolet radiation to the second chamber. A CNT array is functionalized with the target particles, at or below room temperature, to a point of saturation, in an exposure time interval no longer than about 30 sec.

Abstract: A coater having a substrate cleaning device is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of processing substrates in a coater equipped with a substrate cleaning device. The substrate cleaning device comprises an ion gun (i.e., an ion source) that is positioned beneath a path of substrate travel (e.g., beneath a substrate support) extending through the coater and that is adapted for treating a bottom major surface of a substrate. Certain embodiments involve an upward coating apparatus that is further along the path of substrate travel than the substrate cleaning device. In some embodiments of this nature, the upward coating apparatus is configured for depositing a photocatalytic coating upwardly onto the bottom major surface of the substrate. Certain embodiments of the invention involve a downward coating apparatus, wherein the substrate cleaning device is further along the path of substrate travel than the downward coating apparatus.

Abstract: A wafer stage including an electrostatic chuck and a method for dechucking a wafer using the wafer stage are provided, wherein, the wafer stage includes an electrostatic chuck support, an electrostatic chuck, a lifting means, and a grounding means including a device for connecting the interconnections for grounding the lifting means. According to the method for dechucking a wafer, when a lifting means is in contact with a rear side of the wafer, the lifting means is grounded. Then, an electrostatic chuck is neutralized by supplying power to electrostatic electrodes, and the wafer is neutralized by supplying plasma to the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for producing a thin organic film on a substrate using an ultrasonic nozzle to produce a cloud of micro-droplets in a vacuum chamber. The micro-droplets move turbulently within the vacuum chamber, isotropically impacting and adhering to the surface of the substrate. The resulting product has a smooth, continuous, conformal, and uniform organic thin film, when the critical process parameters of micro-droplet size, shot size, vacuum chamber pressure, and timing are well-controlled, and defects such as “orange peel” effect and webbing are avoided. The apparatus includes an improved ultrasonic nozzle assembly that comprises vacuum sealing and a separate, independent passageway for introducing a directed purging gas.

Abstract: The method produces a plastic lens with an antireflection film which have the advantages of good adhesion of the antireflection film to any type of hard coat film that underlies it and good abrasion resistance and provides a plastic lens with an antireflection film. The method includes the steps of applying water or an aqueous solution to a plastic lens with an organosilicon compound-containing hard coat film to form a liquid film of water or the aqueous solution on the surface of the hard coat film, then allowing ozone gas to contact with the liquid film to treat the surface of the hard coat film with the ozone gas, and thereafter forming an antireflection film on the surface of the hard coat film through vapor deposition.

Abstract: A metallized polyimide film includes: a polyimide film; an intermediate layer formed in the polyimide film, the intermediate layer extending 20 nm or less from a surface of the polyimide film, and the intermediate layer including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Cr, Ni, and Si injected into the polyimide film; and a conductive layer that is made of copper or a copper alloy formed on the intermediate layer, wherein the amount of the at least one element injected into the intermediate layer is between 0.3 and 15 mg/m2.

Abstract: The invention relates to metallurgy and mechanical engineering, in particular to the development of methods for providing metallic pieces with protective coatings with a view to improving the performance characteristics thereof. In accordance with the inventive method, a multilayer coating is formed by combining and simultaneously or consecutively using of various technologies including ion-plasma evaporation diffusive metallization and controlled atmosphere thermal treatment. The obtained coatings possess superior characteristics with respect to overall properties and are used for gas turbine construction, in particular, for manufacturing gas turbine vanes of aircraft engines.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon oxide film includes disposing a silicon oxide film on a surface of a target substrate, and performing a reformation process on the silicon oxide film. The reformation process is performed by annealing the silicon oxide film while exposing the silicon oxide film to oxygen radicals and hydroxyl group radicals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making an antiglare stack by vacuum evaporation on an organic substrate (1) at a temperature lower than 150° C., comprising steps which consist in depositing at least a layer of material having a refractive index different from that of MgF2 (4, 4?), preparing the surface of the thus coated substrate, and depositing an outer MgF2 layer (5) without ionic assistance. The resulting antiglare stack on organic substrate exhibits good adherence and good scratch resistance. The invention is applicable to ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon nitride film is described. According to the present invention, a silicon nitride film is deposited by thermally decomposing a silicon/nitrogen containing source gas or a silicon containing source gas and a nitrogen containing source gas at low deposition temperatures (e.g., less than 550° C.) to form a silicon nitride film. The thermally deposited silicon nitride film is then treated with hydrogen radicals to form a treated silicon nitride film.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable resin film which has heat shrinkage in the maximum shrinkage direction of 20% or higher when a 10 cm×10 cm square sample cut out thereof is immersed in hot water at 85° C. for 10 seconds, pulled out, subsequently immersed in water at 25° C. for 10 seconds, and then pulled out, characterized in that a content of nitrogen atoms in a surface of the film is 0.1% to 3.0% and the surface of the film has wet tension of 36 mN/m or higher; and a film roll obtained by winding up the heat-shrinkable resin film characterized in that when the rolled film is sampled at a first sampling part located up to 2 m apart from the end of the rolled film and at other sampling parts located after the first sampling part at intervals of about 100 m and an average content of nitrogen atoms of each sample is calculated, then the content of nitrogen atoms of each sample is within the ±0.8% range based on the above average content of nitrogen atoms.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stamper/imprinter for use in patterning of a recording medium comprises sequential steps of: (a) providing a substrate/workpiece comprising a topographically patterned surface including a plurality of projections and depressions corresponding to a pattern to be formed in a surface of the recording medium; (b) forming a thin release layer in conformal contact with the topographically patterned surface by means of a dry process; (c) forming a thicker layer of a material in conformal contact with the thin passivation layer on the topographically patterned surface; and (d) separating the thicker layer of material from the topographically patterned surface to form therefrom a stamper/imprinter including an imprinting surface having a negative image replica of the topographically patterned surface, separation of the thicker layer of material from the topographically patterned surface being facilitated by the thin release layer formed by the dry process.

Abstract: A system and method to expose a material to an ion beam during a continuous material production process may include a vacuum fixture to form the ion beam and a slit in the fixture to allow at least a portion of the ion beam to exit the fixture through the slit. The material can be placed in contact with an exterior area of the fixture so as to cover the slit. With the material in place, the vacuum within the fixture may be maintained and the ion beam formed. The material over the slit can be exposed to the ion beam. As the continuous process moves material past the slit, the vacuum within the vacuum fixture may help to maintain the material in contact with the fixture.

Abstract: A method for improving thickness uniformity and throughput of a carbon doped oxide deposition process is described. That method comprises removing pre-deposition steps in a deposition phase. Moreover, helium plasma is added to a pre-clean phase to eliminate the production of dummy wafers.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrochromic device, includes the steps of: providing a first electron conducting layer on a substrate, providing a working electrode in communication with the first electron conducting layer, providing an ion conducting layer in communication with the working electrode, providing an ion storage electrode in communication with the ion conducting layer, and providing a second electron conducting layer in communication with the ion storage electrode, wherein at least one and less than all of the providing steps include(s) plasma chemical vapor deposition. An electrochromic device produced by the method of the invention is disclosed, as is an apparatus adapted to perform the method of the invention, including plasma CVD devices and vacuum sputtering devices.

Abstract: A method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions, and reactive gas is introduced to the ion beam to saturate dangling bonds on the surface. Another method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions and quenched with a reactive component to saturate dangling bonds on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming a first protective layer of first material over a magnetic film provided on a substrate. The first protective layer has a thickness of about 0.2 nm to about 2 nm. A second protective layer of second material is formed over the first protective layer by driving ions of the second material into the first protective layer. The first protective layer is configured to prevent the ions of the second material from penetrating into the magnetic film.

Abstract: Method of synthesizing carbon nano tubes (CNTs) on a catalyst layer formed on a support member, by catalytic deposition of carbon from a gaseous phase, whereby an ion beam is used prior to, during, and/or after formation of the carbon nano tubes for modifying the physical, chemical, and/or conductive properties of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A superconducting device operable at temperatures in excess of 30° K. and a method for making the device are described. A representative device is an essentially coplanar SQUID device formed in a single layer of high Tc superconducting material, the SQUID device being operable at temperatures in excess of 60° K. High energy beams, for example ion beams, are used to convert selected portions of the high Tc superconductor to nonsuperconductive properties so that the material now has both superconductive regions and nonsuperconductive regions. In this manner a superconducting loop having superconducting weak links can be formed to comprise the SQUID device.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step, especially a cathode anneal of thin-film batteries. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists the growth of the crystalline structure of film. For lithium-ion energy-storage devices, the first material is an intercalation material, which releasably stores lithium ions therein. Supercapacitors and energy-conversion devices are also fabricated according the methods.

Abstract: A flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, that provides for the presentation of graphics inside the package using existing converter and vertical form and fill packaging machine technology. The invention involves pre-treating an area with ionized gases prior to the addition of the graphic to allow the graphic to adhere to the surface.

Abstract: A ClF3 gas generation system is provided with supply sources of chlorine (3) (for example a cylinder of compressed chlorine) and fluorine (4) (for example a fluorine generator) connected into a gas reaction chamber (2) enabling generation of ClF3 gas. The reaction chamber has a valved outlet (C) for the supply of the ClF3 gas to a process chamber for immediate local use.

Abstract: This invention relates to the printing of a substrate having a pre-printed “print pattern” with a “design layer” of ink where there is differential adhesion within and without the print pattern. The print pattern is receptive to an ink, and the design layer ink forms a durable image material with good bond to the print pattern, but the ink does not form a durable image material on the portions of the substrate outside the print pattern. The design layer ink is a UV-curable ink, and the print pattern may have a higher surface energy than the portions of the substrate outside the print pattern.

Abstract: This invention provides a water-based composition suitable for use on polyester-based substrates for increasing adhesion between the substrate and a topcoat or overcoat. The composition comprises: (1) a latex polymer formed from the polymerization of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of bicyclic alkyl (meth)acrylates and aromatic (meth)acrylates and at least one monomer which imparts to the polymer the ability to be crosslinked; (2) a water soluble or water dispersible polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylate-based resins, sulfonated polyester-based resins and combinations thereof; and (3) a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A composition suitable for forming a primer layer on a polymer sheet comprising: a) polyethyleneimine; b) latex; wherein the latex has a Tg lower than 25° C. and c) a hydrophilic colloid material. A method of coating the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for mask-free molecular or atomic patterning of surfaces of reactive solids is disclosed. Molecules adsorb at surfaces in patterns, governed by the structure of the surface, the chemical nature of the adsorbate, and the adsorbate coverage at the surface. The surface is patterned and then imprinted with the pattern by inducing localized chemical reaction between adsorbate molecules and the surface of the solid, resulting in an imprint being formed in the vicinity of the adsorbate molecules. When the imprinted molecular patterns are conjugated chains containing ? bonds along which electrical charge can flow the molecular patterns constitute molecular wires or the imprinted molecules constitute a molecular-scale device. The surface of the substrate can be doped by including n- or p-type dopants in the adsorbate molecules. These molecular wires are anchored to the substrate by using conjugated chains which can be chemically bound at intervals along the chains to the substrates.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating diamond-like carbon (DLC) with a hot liquid and/or ion beam. This treatment can reduce the contact angle of the coating. In certain example embodiments, at least oxygen gas is used in an ion beam source(s) that generates the ion beam(s) used for the ion beam treatment.

Abstract: Durability and/or longevity of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer can be improved by varying the voltage and/or ion energy used to ion beam deposit the DLC layer. For example, a relatively low voltage may be used to ion beam deposit a first portion of the DLC layer on the substrate, and thereafter a second higher voltage(s) used to ion beam deposit a second higher density portion of the DLC layer over the first portion of the DLC layer. In such a manner, ion mixing at the bottom of the DLC layer can be reached, and the longevity and/or durability of the DLC improved.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the durability and reliability of recording media used in hard drives is disclosed. A protective overcoat made by depositing a diamond like carbon (DLC) layer over a magnetic layer and then depleting a portion of the DLC protective layer of hydrogen before it is coated with a Perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) using an in-situ vapor lubrication technique. The portion of the DLC layer which is depleted can be data zone of the media so that the lubricant-bonding ratio is higher for the landing zone than it is for the data zone.

Abstract: The invention provides a biosensor comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of a electrical conductive material such as a noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.

Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of surface treatment of a thermoplastic resin film (i) which comprises the steps of subjecting the thermoplastic resin film (i) to surface oxidation, coating the oxidized film with a surface modifier (A) and then stretching the coated film, and which is characterized in that: the surface modifier (A) is an aqueous dispersion prepared by dispersing an olefin copolymer (a) with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or its anhydride bonded thereto in water along with at least one dispersant (b) selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, nonionic water-soluble polymers, cationic surfactants and cationic water-soluble polymers; the ratio by weight of (a)/(b) in terms of the solid content thereof falls between 100/1 and 100/30; and the mean particle size of the resin in the surface modifier (A) is at most 5 ?m. The method can provide a thermoplastic resin film of good melt thermal transfer printability and good offset printability capable of giving prints of good water resistance.

Abstract: A method for modifying surface of biodegradable porous polymer scaffold for tissue engineering using a low temperature plasma discharge apparatus, and particularly, a method for inducing the biodegradable porous polymer scaffold to be hydrophilic by graft polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer on the surface of the biodegradable porous polymer scaffold, which is made of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid or poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymer, using a low temperature plasma. The surface-modified porous polymer scaffold according to the present invention has an enhanced cell compatibility in cell culture in vitro, and promote tissue growth when the cell is transplanted into a body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photoresist-free method for depositing films composed of metals, such as copper or silica, or their oxides from metal complexes. More specifically, the method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The metal complexes have a metal and a photo-degradable ligand. A preferred ligand is acac or alkyl-acac, expecially in combination with acetate ligands. These films, upon, for example, thermal, photochemical or electron beam irradiation may be converted to the metal or its oxides. By using either directed light or electron beams, this may lead to a patterned metal or metal oxide film in a single step. Low temperature baking may be used to remove residual organics from the deposited film. If silica is the metal, the deposited film has excellent smoothness and dielectric properties.

Abstract: An aromatic polyimide film for producing an electro-conductive sealing element of a packaged semi-conductor device, has a thickness of 20 to 60 ?m, a moisture vapor transmission coefficient of 0.05 to 0.8 g/mm/m2·24 hrs, a water absorption ratio of 2.0% or less, and an elastic modulus in tension of 5,000 MPa or more, in which a surface of the polyimide film has been treated with reduced-pressure plasma discharge.