Abstract: Energy, such as from one or more lasers, is directed at the surface of a substrate to mobilize and vaporize a constituent element (e.g., carbide) within the substrate (e.g., steel). The vaporized constituent element is reacted by the energy to alter its physical structure (e.g., from carbon to diamond) to that of a composite material which is diffused back into the substrate as a composite material. An additional secondary element, which can be the same as or different from the constituent element, may optionally be directed (e.g., sprayed) onto the substrate to augment, enhance and/or modify the formation of the composite material, as well as to supply sufficient or additional material for fabricating one or more coatings on the surface of the substrate. The process can be carried out in an ambient environment (e.g., without a vacuum), and without pre-heating or post-cooling of the substrate.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: Paste comprising metallic organic compound, in particular, gold-based metallic organic compound is used as a conductive material for repairing the broken defective part and is baked. This can produce a very thin metallic film having low electric resistance. Further, a semiconductor laser is used as a heating unit to heat only the broken defective part, and a heating profile having a baking process of provisional baking and main baking and a cooling process is provided to produce the high-quality thin metallic film having no crack and a dense texture.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrical feedthru wherein a thin liquid conductive film is deposited into a shallow trough of an insulating machinable substrate. The conductive film and substrate are fired and then the resulting bound composite is ground flush with the adjacent surface of the insulating machinable substrate. The surface cohesion of the fired composite, and the resulting high quality surface finish of the grinding operation, combined with an elastomeric seal, create low leakage barriers capable of supporting a pressure differential while allowing isolated electrical conduction across a pressure or vacuum envelope. The method produces a space saving feedthru which allows a high signal line density in a limited space, is relatively simple to assemble, allows for disassembly rework, can be ‘designed into’ unique geometries of varied applications, and which has a single O-ring sealing across all traces.

Abstract: In the heating of a substrate in a lithographic process, temperature conditions for heating a substrate on which a resist is formed exert a large influence upon the pattern dimensions, and the pattern dimensions vary greatly in the heating from only one of the surfaces of the substrate. There is provided a substrate heating apparatus for heating a substrate before or after irradiation of light for performing a pattern by using a photosensitive material formed on a substrate or by using a material which is photosensitive to charged particles formed on the substrate. The substrate heating apparatus includes an upper heater which serves as a heat source for heating the substrate from the top surface thereof, a lower heater which serves as a heat source for heating the substrate from the bottom surface thereof, and a heat-conducting heater block provided on the lower heater, on which heater block the substrate is placed, making it possible to individually set the temperatures of the upper and lower heaters.

Abstract: A process for planarization of a silicon wafer is described together with apparatus for implementing it. The process planarizes by directing a high-energy, pulsed laser beam in a direction parallel to the wafer surface while the wafer is rotating. The height of the beam relative to the wafer is carefully controlled thereby enabling the removal of all material above the lower edge of the beam to be removed from the wafer through laser ablation. The method works equally well for removal of metal (as in planarization of damascene wiring) or dielectric (as in planarization of conventional wiring). Once all excess material has been removed (typically requiring about 60 seconds) additional operation of the process does no harm so neither end point detection nor precise control of process time are required.

Abstract: A method of laser marking substrates such as glass, ceramic, metal and plastic is disclosed. A marking material is applied to the surface of the substrate, followed by irradiation of a portion of the marking material to form a permanent marking on the substrate. The non-irradiated portion of the marking material is then removed from the substrate. The marking material may comprise glass frit or precursors thereof, inorganic pigments or precursors thereof, silicates, metal oxides, sulfides, nitrides and carbides, organometallic materials or metal powders. The marking method is highly versatile, can be performed quickly, and produces permanent marks of high resolution and contrast without damage to the substrate.

Abstract: Metal patterns (11, 11′, 11″) can be provided on a glass substrate (1) in an electroless process by modifying the substrate with a silane monolayer (3), nucleating said momolayer with a polymer-stabilized Pd sol (5) and, subsequently, locally removing the Pd nuclei and silane layer (9, 9′) with a pulsed laser. Neither a photoresist nor organic solvents are used. The method can very suitably be used for the manufacture of the black matrix on a faceplate of display devices, such as the passive plate for an LCD.

Abstract: Stiction failure of a magnetic recording medium is reduced by forming a lubricant topcoat having a first thickness over the landing zone greater than a second thickness over the data zone, with a sharp transition step having an angle of at least about 70° with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface. Embodiments include depositing a lubricant topcoat at a substantially uniform thickness and reducing the thickness of the lubricant topcoat over the data zone by about 20% to about 80% employing a laser light beam to volatilize the lubricant.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: A method for serializing ceramic substrates in which a laser is used to remove unfired paste material from an unfired ceramic substrate. The paste material is removed by exposing the unwanted paste material to laser radiation in a programmed sequence of x and y coordinate moves. The laser radiation removes the unwanted paste material, leaving the identifying characters intact. The identifying characters can be used for part identification and traceability.

Abstract: The substrate of a magnetic recording medium is laser textured with uniformity and precision employing a fiber optic laser delivery system with a microfocusing lens. Surface variations, such as surface runout, are detected with an optical probe and a laser texturing parameter adjusted via a feedback control system in response to a detected surface variation. Embodiments include adjusting the pulse power, pulse duration, repetition rate and/or distance between the microfocusing lens and substrate surface in response to a detected surface variation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for producing a chemically adsorbed film is provided. The method includes the steps of: irradiating a surface of a polymer substrate with ultraviolet laser light so as to produce a hydrophilic group on the surface of the polymer substrate; and contacting a chemical adsorption solution containing a chlorosilane-based chemical adsorbent and a nonaqueous solvent and the polymer substrate on which the hydrophilic group is produced; and reacting the hydrophilic group of the polymer substrate with a chlorosilyl group of the chlorosilane-based chemical adsorbent for forming a covalent bond, thereby forming a chemically adsorbed film on the surface of the polymer substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating a marking on an effect coating or molding compound comprising cholesteric liquid-crystalline main-chain or side-group polymers or comprising a combination of main-chain and side-group polymers, which comprises inducing a color change at the irradiated sites of the effect coating or molding compound by laser irradiation.

Abstract: Electric conductor patterns including antenna coils are formed on one surface of a film. Electronic components are fixed onto the film by a temporary fixing material. A cover film is laminated on the film so that the electrically conductive patterns and the electronic components are covered with the cover film. Simultaneously with the lamination, the electronic components are connected to the electric conductor patterns.

Abstract: A one-step rapid manufacuring process is used to create three dimensional prototyping parts. Material such as metal, ceramics and the like powder, and wire, and the like, is delivered to a laser beam-material interaction region where it is melted and deposited on a substrate. The melted and deposited material is placed on a XYZ workstation. Three dimensional parts are created by moving the XYZ workstation relative to the laser beam while simultaneously feeding powdered alloys, first in the XY and then in the Z plane. Beam shaping focussing optics can be used to tailor the intensity distribution of the laser beam to the requirements of the deposition layers, and can be used to create parts with desired mechanical or thermodynamic properties. Additional beam splitting and recombining optics can be used to allow powder to be fed at a perpendicular angle to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for precisely and efficiently creating three dimensional bodies, relief images or patterns, colored bodies, or a combination of these using photopolymers, photocolorizable polymers or photoresponsive coatings, in one irradiation step as disclosed. In particular this invention describes a method of generating objects or patterns with differential control of properties (depth, pore size, color, density, mechanical strength, hardness, degree of cross-linking, tackiness, etc.) such that the property varies across the xy array.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a poly-crystalline silicon (p-Si) film includes the steps in which an excimer laser anneals an amorphous silicon (a-Si) film deposited on a glass substrate and makes the same into the poly-crystalline silicon while the glass substrate is moved in a moving direction relative to the laser. Prior to carrying out the annealing step, a couple of the laser pulses are applied to different places of the a-Si film, provided that each of the laser pulses has different energy fluence and one pulse at a time is applied to the a-Si film. The pulse applied area is divided into two sections by a reference line perpendicular to the moving direction of the glass substrate. Average grain sizes of the p-Si film in the two sections are compared to each other to determine the moving direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of hydride-containing aluminium oxide for producing optically detectable markings and inscriptions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an economical coating composition for porous substrates that provides extremely glossy surfaces, is capable of supporting holographic images, provides good oxygen barrier properties as well as good oil, grease, solvent and water resistance. Said coatings on paper substrates are printable, biodegradable, recyclable, and repulpable. They are also suitable for use in conjunction with food products. This invention also relates to a process for applying said coatings onto porous substrates as well as a process for the economical production of inexpensive holographic images on substrates such as paper and cardboard containers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stencil for the depositing and gauging of more or less thick, point-base coats of a viscous product. To remedy the problems found with a serigraphic screen made of polyester or metal cloth and a metal stencil, the present invention proposes use of a solid sheet of uniform composition made of synthetic material and, preferably, polyester without the inclusion of wires. This polyester solid sheet is bored mechanically or thermally at the places desired. Since the polyester cloth is solid, it admits of tension forces greater than those of wire mesh cloths or at least equal to those of metal stencils.

Abstract: A fabrication method in which an object is formed as a plurality of successive laminae, the method comprising the repeated steps of: (i) applying a precursor onto a recipient surface; and (ii) locally heating regions of the deposited precursor by directing a light beam onto those regions of the deposited precursor, so that the locally heated regions transform to a solid material.

Abstract: An apparatus for metal line deposition and a method for metal line deposition using the apparatus. A donor plate has a donor substrate transparent to a focused coherent light beam. The donor plate has a donor surface coated with a metallic material. The donor plate is positioned so the coated donor surface is adjacent a deposition substrate. A focused coherent light beam is diffracted to form a plurality of coherent light beams. The plurality of beams are directed through the donor substrate and arranged along a line on the metallic material coating the donor surface. The plurality of beams cause the metallic material to ablate from the donor surface by discharging ions of the metallic material away from the donor plate and onto the deposition substrate to form the metal line. Either the plurality of beams or the donor plate and deposition plate are actuated so the metallic material is ablated from the donor plate in a direction parallel to the metal line to be deposited.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating graphic and text elements on a surface of an article by employing an ablative etching device, such as a laser etcher, that is capable of etching the elements into a coating on the article's surface having at least two layers of material. The ablative etching device etches into the coating layers to a depth that removes the material of the outermost, exposed layer, but which leaves intact at least a portion of the depth of an underlying layer. As a result the graphics and text take on the color of the particular underlying layer exposed by the etching process. By making the colors of the underlying layer or layers contrast the color of the outermost, exposed layer, the graphics and text elements become readily readable against the background color of the outermost layer. Further, the graphic and text elements can be formed as an array having individual holes etched into the coating layers, as well as un-etched locations.

Abstract: A method for mask-free molecular or atomic patterning of surfaces of reactive solids is disclosed. A molecular-scale pattern of adsorbate molecules is used in place of the conventional macroscopic "mask". 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 marked or 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. In one aspect of the invention, photoinduced reaction of the patterned adsorbate leads to patterned photoreaction with the surface.

Abstract: In processing an object by irradiating it with laser light, a laser irradiation chamber is evacuated to a pressure value suitable for the intended laser light processing and the laser light processing is performed with the pressure in the chamber kept constant at the above value. Further, electrodes are provided in the laser irradiation chamber, and the inside of the chamber is cleaned by introducing an etching gas into the chamber during or immediately before the laser light irradiation and rendering the etching gas active.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an organic EL display panel accomplishes pixelation without using a shadow mask, and without exposing active EL elements to solvents from photoresist, or developing and stripping solutions. A first electrode layer and an insulating layer are formed on a transparent substrate. Portions of the insulating layer are removed at predetermined regions using at least one laser beam. An organic function layer and a second electrode layer are then formed on the predetermined regions. The first electrode layer, the organic layer and the second electrode layer form a sub-pixel. Additional sub-pixels are formed using the same method.

Abstract: A magnetic disk (2) has an improved landing zone (8) created by directing a series of effectively overlapping laser discharges onto the landing zone to create a continuous ridge (22) extending outwardly from the base surface (4) of the landing zone. The effectively overlapping discharges are typically from a series of discharges from a pulsed laser, the discharges overlapping from about 0% to about 99%. By creating a continuous ridge, a larger diameter laser beam can be used so the depth of focus is much greater than with conventional small diameter, non-overlapping, discrete laser discharges. This aids manufacturability because the larger diameter beam spots are easier to create and the greater depth of focus accommodates fluctuations in the height of the surface of the disk.

Abstract: A process for additive manufacture by energetic wire deposition is described. A source wire is fed into a energy beam generated melt-pool on a growth surface as the melt-pool moves over the growth surface. This process enables the rapid prototyping and manufacture of fully dense, near-net shape components, as well as cladding and welding processes. Alloys, graded materials, and other inhomogeneous materials can be grown using this process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the step of depositing a metallic layer on a glass substrate and laser texturing the metallic layer. The magnetic disk is then completed by deposition of (a) an underlayer such as Cr or sputtered NiP, (b) a magnetic layer such as a Co or Fe alloy, and (c) a protective overcoat such as ZrO.sub.2, carbon or hydrogenated carbon. By providing the above-mentioned metallic layer, laser texturing can now be used in conjunction with glass substrates.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: A device and method for storing magnetically readable data are provided, the device including a disk having a substantially rigid, non-magnetizable substrate having a substantially planar surface and a magnetizable film having a substantially uniform thickness formed over the substantially planar surface. The disk has an outer surface having a nominal surface plane, and the outer surface includes a plurality of marks, each having a bump height above the nominal surface plane, a crater depth below the nominal surface plane, a mark radius, a bump radius of curvature, a crater radius of curvature and a separation from a consecutive mark, and at least one of the bump height, the crater depth, the mark radius, the bump radius of curvature, the crater radius of curvature and the separation is substantially randomly distributed according to any distribution of random variables such as, for example, a Gaussian normal, uniform, Poisson-like or Bernoulli-like binomial-like distribution.

Abstract: A method of improving the breakdown strength of polymer multi-layer (PML) capacitors is provided and of providing a window in food packaging is provided. The method comprises patterning the aluminum coating, either by selective removal of deposited aluminum or by preventing deposition of the aluminum on selected areas of the underlying polymer film. Apparatus is also provided for patterning metal deposition on polymer films comprising masking for defining regions in which metal is deposited. The apparatus comprises: (a) a rotating drum; (b) a monomer evaporator for depositing a monomer film on the rotating drum; (c) a radiation curing element for curing the monomer film to form a cross-linked polymer film; and (d) a resistive evaporator for depositing a metal film on the cross-linked polymer film. The foregoing elements are enclosed in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A magnetic tape having formed on its backcoating layer 5 a recess 10 of prescribed shape capable of yielding an optical contrast to provide optical information with which servo tracking of data tracks on the magnetic layer is effected, the recess having a depth of 0.05 to 1 .mu.m and a width of 0.25 to 30 .mu.m, and the backcoating layer 5 having an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 4 to 20 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface modification method that provides beneficial changes in surface properties, can modify a surface to a greater depth than previous methods, and that is suitable for industrial application. The present method comprises applying a thin-film coating to a surface of a substrate, then subjecting the coated surface to an ion beam. The ion beam power pulse heats the coated surface, leading to alloying between the material in the coating and the material of the substrate. Rapid cooling of the alloyed layer after an ion beam pulse can lead to formation of metastable alloys and microstructures not accessible by conventional alloying methods or intense ion beam treatment of the substrate alone.

Abstract: A method of applying a pattern to a surface of a substrate includes forming mutually parallel pattern rows applied by at least two output channels. In order to produce a pattern without strip-like visible faults, provision is made for the output channels in each case to be displaced transversely in relation to the pattern rows such that pattern rows can optionally be applied by at least some of the output channels in order to obtain a complete pattern. The individual pattern rows are applied by different output channels and are mixed with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system made by a method for depositing rare-earth boride onto the surface of a substrate which is submerged in an organic solution of borane and a rare-earth halide. Application of electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the visible wavelength range, through a mask near the surface of the submerged substrate, drives the formation and deposition of rare-earth boride onto a substrate in desired patterns.

Abstract: A method of laser marking metals, plastics, ceramic materials, glazes, glass ceramics, and glasses of any desired form, which comprises applying to the material to be marked a variable thickness layer of marking material containing energy absorbing enhancers then irradiating said layer with a laser or diode based energy source such that the radiation is directed onto said layer in accordance with the form of the marking to be applied, and using a laser or diode based energy source of a wavelength which is sufficiently absorbed by the marking material so as to create a bonding of the marking material to the surface of the workpiece at the irradiated areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing black dot defects connected to a circuit pattern in photomasks such as a photomask having a patterned chromium film on a glass substrate comprises using an energy source in the form of an energy beam to first sever the connected black dot defect from the chrome pattern forming a space between the defect and the chrome pattern. The remaining severed black dot defect is then removed using the same or different energy beam to remove the remainder of the chrome defect. An apparatus for removing black dot defects and photomasks produced by the method and apparatus of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing a highly-textured surface on a copper substrate with only extremely small amounts of texture-inducing seeding or masking material. The texture-inducing seeding material is delivered to the copper substrate electrically switching the seeding material in and out of a circuit loop.

Abstract: A method for texturing a glass ceramic substrate comprising the steps of applying a laser pulse to the substrate such that a portion of said substrate is heated to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the glass phase of said substrate but lower than the melting point of the crystal phase of said substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated object repeats a depositing step and an irradiating step alternatively. The irriating step comprises the operations of: covering a deposited layer with a mask having a pattern configuration for penetrating the laser beam; and scanning the lader beam on the desposited layer covered with the mask in such a manner that the laser beam depicts an irradiated continous wave trace being wider than the pattern configuration of the mask, by moving the laser beam in the Y-direction with a Y-rotating mirror, while repeating oscillations of the laser beam in the X-direction with a X-rotating nirror, The laminated object may be a casting mold.

Abstract: A magnetic disc substrate is provided, which includes a magnetic disc substrate body made of glass and is characterized in that a metal element capable of absorbing light in at least a surface portion of the magnetic disc substrate body, and a texture is formed on a surface of the magnetic disc substrate body. Ions of the metal element are dispersed in the surface portion of the magnetic disc substrate, or the metal element is contained in a composition of the glass constituting the magnetic disc substrate in the form of an oxide. The glass is preferably a crystallized glass a Li.sub.2 O--Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2 based crystallized glass, which particularly preferably contains 65 to 85 wt % of SiO.sub.2, 8 to 15 wt % of Li.sub.2 O, 2 to 8 wt % of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 1 to 5 wt % of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and 1 to 10 wt % of ZrO.sub.2 and has lithium disilicate (Li.sub.2 O.2SiO.sub.2) as a main crystalline phase.

Abstract: A method of forming a region of impurity in a semiconductor substrate with minimal damage. The method includes the steps of: forming a reaction-inhibiting impurity region in the semiconductor substrate to a depth below the semiconductor substrate; and applying laser energy to the semiconductor substrate at a sufficient magnitude to liquify the semiconductor substrate in the region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coloring pieces of rock, namely marble, by means of the application of a laser beam (2) in order to color-mark or totally color the piece of rock. According to the invention, the laser beam interacts with the piece of rock (5), to which an appropriate coloring is subsequently applied. Diffusion of the pigment in the piece of rock changes its color in the area affected by the laser. The piece of rock takes on the color as intensely as desired. The invention enables marble of a lower value to be made more valuable and increases the value of other rocks and allows them to be colored. This application is mainly intended for the treatment of ornamental rocks.

Abstract: A method of forming an article having a cermet layer on a porcelain substrate, via the steps of (a) providing a substrate made a porcelain comprising one or more crystalline oxide phases dispersed in a glassy matrix, the glassy matrix containing 0.25 to 45.0 weight % of a reducible metal oxide having a reduction potential of between -1.0 and +3.5 E.degree./V; and (b) heating the substrate in a reducing atmosphere to form on at least one surface of the substrate a layer of cermet comprising elemental metal which is a reduction product of the reducible metal oxide. The article may be used as a substrate for magnetic recording disks.

Abstract: A sol-gel coating of conductive materials, such as ITO, which is applied to a substrate, for example a display window of a cathode ray tube, is cured by means of a laser. This is preferably carried out in a water-containing atmosphere, for example an aqueous aerosol and/or a hydrogen-containing gas, such as a forming gas. This results in a stable resistance reduction by several hundred times.

Abstract: A film of a coating material is produced on a substrate by a pulsed laser deposition method in which the material that forms the coating material is first combined with a matrix material to form a target. The target is then exposed to a source of laser energy to desorb the matrix material from the target and lift the coating material from the surface of the target. The target and the substrate are oriented with respect to each other so that the lifted coating material is deposited as a film upon said substrate. The matrix material is selected to have the property of being more volatile than the coating material and less likely than the coating material to adhere to the substrate. The matrix material is further selected as having the property such that when the target is exposed to a source of laser energy, the matrix material desorbs from the target and lifts the coating material from the surface of the target.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively metallizing one or more three-dimensional materials in an electronic circuit package comprising the steps of forming a layer of seeding solution on a surface of the three-dimensional material of interest, exposing this layer to light of appropriate wavelength, resulting in the formation of metal seed on regions of the three-dimensional material corresponding to the regions of the layer of seeding solution exposed to light; removing the unexposed regions of the layer of seeding solution by subjecting the exposed and unexposed regions of the layer of seeding solution to an alkaline solution. Thereafter, additional metal is deposited, e.g., plated, onto the metal seed using conventional techniques. Significantly, this method does not involve the use of a photoresist, or of a corresponding chemical developer or photoresist stripper.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.