Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decorating a gemstone with colored indicia so that the indicia is readily visible from an exterior surface of the gemstone. The indicia is engraved on an predetermined exterior surface portion of the gemstone. The exterior surface on which the indicia is engraved may be the exterior surface from which it is visible, or another surface. The gemstone may be semi-precious, man-made, or precious, and can be faceted or cabochon. The indicia is engraved in the exterior surface by a laser beam. The laser beam is directed to the exterior surface, while the gemstone is held in a manner so that a significant portion of the laser beam is precluded from reflecting internally within the gemstone, thereby ensuring that the gemstone is not damaged by the laser beam. Once engraved a colored inlay, e.g., paint, is provided in the engraved recess to complete the decorative indicia.

Abstract: A business form comprising a substrate with at least one surface bearing a dual-functional coating comprising a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate containing at least 40 weight percent ethylene and having a softening point of at least 60.degree. C. enhances adhesion of toner particles and is self-adhering under application of heat and pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel composition of matter comprising a polyacid and a polymer containing repeating units which contain one or more basic atoms. The complex is water-soluble and electrically conductive. The complex is useful in providing organic discharge layers for use in electronic applications and fabrications.

Abstract: A method of applying strengthening coatings to metallic or metal-containing surfaces is provided in which the surface (2) to which a strengthening coating is to be applied is first subjected to activation, then at least one strengthening coating layer (1) is applied to the surface thus prepared. Said layer is treated with a laser beam (3) having a diameter (d) ranging from 0.2 mm to half the diameter (d) of the laser beam (3) entering into focusing element (5), with a power of at least 0.5 kW, with a rate of relative travel (A) of the surface being treated (2) and the laser beam (3) of at least 50 mm/min, the distance (L) between the focal plane (f) of the focusing element (5) to the surface being treated (2) being less than or equal to half the focal distance (F).

Abstract: Copper lines or molybdenum lines on a substrate are inspected for defects by coating a metallized substrate with an inspection layer followed by imaging the substrate, and removing the inspection layer after the imaging. The inspection layer can be a light reflecting metal or a combination of a light reflecting metal and light-absorbing organic compound.

Abstract: Foils are manufactured by creating a pattern on a substrate and then thickening the patterned film. The foil may then be peeled away from the substrate and/or pattern. The patterning step may include use of a laser or use of a photoresist, and may include deposition of a further layer. The thickening step may be performed by electrodeposition or electroless methods. The foils produced may be employed for dry shavers, sieves or filters.

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 method of forming a blind-via in a laminated substrate by forming a first conductive layer. A dielectric layer is then formed on the first conductive layer. An exposed second conductive layer is formed on the dielectric layer, with the second conductive layer having a preformed aperture. The dielectric layer is laser drilled through to the first conductive layer to form a blind-via at a location within the preformed aperture of the second conductive layer using a plurality of laser pulses. Each laser pulse has a first energy density per pulse that is greater than an ablation threshold of the dielectric layer and less than an ablation threshold of the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer is then laser drilled for a predetermined number of pulses. Each of the predetermined number of pulses has a second energy density per pulse that is greater than an ablation threshold of the first conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides discrete track magnetic recording media and methods for their fabrication. A discrete track servo pattern is imposed on an underlayer, over which a magnetic recording layer is deposited. The pattern is preferably imposed by selective laser ablation of the underlayer. Ideally the underlayer comprises sputtered carbon, which has been found to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the subsequent magnetic layer. Optionally, a contact start/stop zone having a relatively rough surface texture is imposed, also by selective laser ablation of the underlayer.

Abstract: The height of protrusions formed during laser texturing a glass or glass-ceramic substrate is controlled by controlling the quench rate of the protrusions during resolidification. In an embodiment, the quench rate is controlled by heating the substrate during laser texturing. Heating can be initiated prior or subsequent to, or simultaneously with, initial exposure of the substrate surface to a pulsed, focused CO.sub.2 laser beam for texturing.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a photosensitive chemical material which controls exposure to make spectral intensity ratio constant, adjusts the pre-tilt angles of a liquid crystal orientation film easily and accurately, and gives desired properties to the photosensitive chemical material. A photosensitive chemical material is patterned by the photochemical reaction of a photosensitive chemical material. The photosensitive chemical material is irradiated with light emitted from a light source having a line spectrum having almost single wavelength between 200 nm and 300 nm (for example, a low pressure mercury lamp or a laser lamp) according to a pattern to control the reaction of the photosensitive chemical material. Also, the photosensitive chemical material is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 300 nm or longer to make the photosensitive chemical material cause a reaction to occur that selectively generates active oxygen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a vibrational enhancement to the recoating process in stereolithography are disclosed. The formation of a thin layer of building material over a previous layer of structure of a partially completed three-dimensional object, in preparation for formation of an additional layer of structure, is enhanced by the use of vibrational energy imparted to the building medium. In a first preferred apparatus, vibration is induced into the surface of the material by a plurality of vibrating needles that penetrate below the working surface to a sufficient depth to ensure adequate coupling but not deep enough to come into contact with the surface of the partially completed part. In a second preferred apparatus, vibration is coupled directly to the object support. The vibrational energy is then transmitted through the part to the surface of the building material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for metal line deposition on a substrate. Laser ablation of a metal film coated on a first substrate removes metal ions from the film. The ions travel forward to a surface of a second substrate disposed opposite the metal film on the first substrate and are deposited on the second substrate. A positive electrode on the first substrate, a negative electrode on the second substrate, and a power supply create an electric field that is simultaneously applied across the first and second substrates. The positively charged ions in the second substrate migrate toward the negative electrode of the electric field, leaving a surplus of negatively charged ions at the surface of the second substrate. The negative ions in the second substrate electrostatically bond with the positively charged ablated metal ions, thereby assisting the bonding of metal lines to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a via hole in a substrate includes forming an opening in a substrate thereby forming a slag and then heating the substrate to recombine the slag with the substrate.

Abstract: A process for forming a film on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon includes coating, on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon, a material which becomes a metallic film or a ceramic film upon firing, to form an as-coated film, irradiating the as-coated film with an energy beam which does not damage the ceramic substrate or the fired film formed thereon to such an extent that it becomes useless and which can decompose and remove the as-coated film, to trim the unrequired portion(s) of the as-coated film, and firing the trimmed as-coated film to form a desired film. The film can be formed on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon while the damage to the substrate or the fired film is minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: Thin films of aluminum nitride are deposited at 350 K on silicon, GaAs, fused quartz, and KBr substrates using gas-phase 193 nm excimer laser photolysis of trimethylamine alane and ammonia precursors without a thermally induced or a spontaneous reaction between them, resulting in AlN thin films that are amorphous, smooth and featureless having a band gap of 5.8 eV, a refractive index of 2.0, a breakdown electric field breakdown of 10.sup.8 V/m, a low-frequency dielectric constant of 6.0-6.9, high-frequency dielectric constant of 3.9-4.0, well suited for many thin film applications.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium with high reliability by rendering simply a surface of a magnetic recording medium rough. A recording film of a magnetic material is formed on a nonmagnetic substrate, then a multilayered or composite protection film including first and second materials is formed on the recording film, and then selectively etching one of said first and second materials to transform a surface of the recording film into a rough surface.

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: Coated objects are recycled by irradiation with a laser beam. The invention is applied to objects (such as documents) that include an entry surface, a surface coated with a coating (such as text or graphics printed with copier or printer toner), and a body interposed between the surface. A laser beam is directed toward a target region of the coated surface, traveling first through the object's entry surface and body, which are translucent or transparent to the wavelength of light contained in the laser beam. The laser beam generates a plasma shock wave at the target region of the coated surface, thereby discharging particles of the coating located near the target region. The discharged printed matter is discharged away from the object, thereby avoiding undesired impregnation of the coating into the object. Discharged coating may be recycled by collection and subsequent reuse.

Abstract: The output of a continuously pumped, Q-switched, Nd:YAG laser (10) is frequency converted to provide ultraviolet light (62) for plating internal wall surfaces (79, 126) of vias (72, 74) in multilayered electronic devices (80). The parameters of the output pulses (62) are selected to facilitate substantially uniform deposition of plating material particles explosively vaporized from a substrate (124) onto the internal wall surface (79, 126). These parameters typically include at least two of the following criteria: high average power of greater than about 100 milliwatts measured over the beam spot area, a temporal pulse width shorter than about 100 nanoseconds, a spot diameter of less than about 50 microns, and a repetition rate of greater than about one kilohertz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating the surface of a substrate suspends a coating material above the surface of the substrate and irradiates both the coating material and the underlying surface of the substrate. By irradiating both the coating material and the underlying surface of the substrate, a first portion of the coating material is melted to form an at least partially molten droplet of coating material. In addition, at least a second portion of the coating material is ablated to thereby create an ablation plume which propels the at least partially molten droplet of coating material toward the substrate. In addition, the portion of the substrate toward which the at least partially molten droplet of coating material is propelled is simultaneously heated, such that the at least partially molten droplet coating material adheres to the heated substrate, thereby coating the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

Abstract: An optical molding process for obtaining a three-dimensional resin model by scanning a surface of a photocurable resin liquid held in a photocurable resin liquid tank by a light beam to cure the same and successively building up the scanned and cured layers on an elevator. When the molding of one constant-height section layer is ended and the elevator is made to descend, the overflow of the photocurable resin liquid from the photocurable resin liquid tank to an overflow tank is temporarily blocked and then after the blocking of the overflow is lifted, the next constant-height section layer is molded.

Abstract: A pattern of a non-volatile high-performance ferroelectric thin film memory is formed by applying a composition containing hydrolytic metal compounds, and a photosensitizer which generates water when irradiated with active rays onto a substrate. The resultant film is exposed to active rays in compliance with a prescribed pattern to form an image and developed with a solvent to remove non-exposed portions, and then the remaining exposed portions are subjected to a heat treatment to convert the exposed portions into a dielectric substance comprising a metal oxide as expressed by the following formula (I):(Bi.sub.2 O.sub.2).sup.2+ (A.sub.m-1 B.sub.m O.sub.3m+1).sup.2-(I)where A is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Pb and Bi; B is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb and Ta; and m is an integer of from 2 to 5.

Abstract: A positive metallization process for metallizing a plastic composite piece containing a polymer and grains of one or more oxides, includes three successive steps. The first step consists of irradiating the plastic piece surface to be metallized with a light beam emitted by an excimer laser. The second step consists of immersing the irradiated piece into at least one autocatalytic bath containing metal ions and without palladium. This immersion induces the deposit of the metal ions onto the irradiated surface to form a metal film onto the surface. The third step consists of thermally processing the metallized plastic piece to induce the diffusion of the deposited metal into the plastic piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.

Abstract: A method of supporting an object made by stereolithography or another rapid prototype production method, in which a support is provided with at least one supporting structure which is airier than a supporting structure made of solid standing walls, including those made with notches at the top and/or at the bottom. The supporting structure can be made airy by using walls of which at least a number are provided with openings over a major part of their surface.

Abstract: A process for creating an array of bumps to texture a brittle nonmetallic surface, such as a glass substrate for data recording disks. The texturing process uses a laser to provide pulses of proper energy fluence to the brittle glass surface to produce a plurality of raised bumps in the surface. The bump creation is accomplished without unwanted micro-cracking or ejection of surface material by limiting the laser pulse fluence to a value in a narrow operating region discovered below the abrupt thermal shock fluence threshold for the brittle nonmetallic surface material. The process is also applicable to other brittle surface textures, such as those intended for use as "stamping surfaces" for the contact reproduction of the negative of a surface pattern, such as an optical disk.

Abstract: A method is provided for easily producing thick multi-layer substrates maintaining highly accurate resistances with little variation. A thick-film resistor 6 on a ceramic substrate 1 is fired at a temperature higher than the temperature of firing a glass insulating layer 2 that is formed thereon in contact therewith. This makes it possible to decrease the change in the resistance in a subsequent high-temperature step of firing the glass insulating layers 2 to 4. Moreover, after the glass insulating layer 2 is formed on the thick-film resistor 6 on the ceramic substrate 1, laser trimming is effected through a window or the glass insulating layer 2 and, thereafter, the glass insulating layers 3 and 4 are formed. This makes it possible to decrease the change in the resistance of the thick-film resistor 6 after laser trimming and to reduce the laser output.

Abstract: A method for patterned metallization of substrate surfaces, especially circuit boards, even three-dimensional ones, by using electromagnetic UV radiation, particularly from an excimer laser. In the method a primer layer is applied to the full substrate surface in the area of a metal layer that is subsequently applied; insulating channels then are made in the primer layer by complete removal of the primer in certain areas by the action of electromagnetic radiation in the UV range; and afterward the remaining patterned primer layer is provided with the metal layer to form conductor strips. The method makes it possible to create insulating channels with extremely sharp contours in the primer layer on the surface of even three-dimensional, electronic circuit media.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic structure, such as a thin film magnetic head, in which the magnetic and electrical characteristics of magnetic material are tailored to produce magnetic and electrical characteristics in selected localized areas of the magnetic material. In a specific embodiment, the structure comprises a layer of magnetic material having an overlayer and an underlayer, and the magnetic characteristics of the material are modified by rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive film on an insulating region of a substrate wherein a surface of the insulating region formed on the substrate is activated by irradiating the surface with electrons, ions or light. Next, a metal film pattern constituting, for example, an electrical interconnection, is deposited on the surface by applying a selective chemical vapor deposition process using a metal halide gas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tin-coated surface of rolled copper strips or copper-alloy strips, wherein a strip surface is mechanically treated using a textured working roll to adjust a texture on said strip surface of an average peak-to-valley height within the range of 3 to 12 .mu.m and the textured strip surface is then continuously coated with tin or a tin-base alloy.

Abstract: Windings for an electric motor are formed by depositing successive layers of conductive material and etching into the conductive material with a precisely-controlled high-energy beam. A computer stores information on the exact structure of the monolith of windings to be built, in the form of a series of successive planar cross-sections of the monolith. In making the monolith, one deposits a layer of conductive material onto a workpiece, bonds the conductive material to the workpiece, and cuts a pattern into the layer, using a high-energy beam in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere. The beam causes the formation of electrically-insulating oxides which separate the layer into distinct conductive regions, according to a pattern defined by one of the stored cross-sections. In an alternative, one can also inject additional insulating material into the cuts formed by the beam. The monolith is thus built up, layer by layer, in a series of iterations.

Abstract: A process is described for providing a conductive metal circuit using a coherent radiation source. The circuit pattern is directly written onto a laser addressable element having a supercooling material layer. A conductive metal toner is then applied to the light struck areas and fired in a furnace to provide a conductive metal circuit.

Abstract: A method for patterned metallization of the surface of substrates (1), particularly circuit boards, using electromagnetic radiation (5) in which an electrically nonconducting prime coat (2) is applied full-surface to the substrate (circuit board 1); an electrically nonconducting cover coat which is easily ablated by electromagnetic irradiation (5) in the ultraviolet range is applied full-surface to the prime coating (2), the cover coat (4) being applied in a thickness that is at least equal to the thickness of the metal layer that is to be applied; the cover coat is removed from partial areas by the action of electromagnetic irradiation (5) in the ultraviolet range to form patterns (6) with sharp and steep flanks (7) and expose the prime coat (2); and in the area of the exposed patterns (6) on the prime coat (2), a metal layer is applied, guided by the flanks (7), in a reducing bath.

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.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects 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, 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: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects 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, 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: A system for generating three-dimensional objects 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, 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: A process for creating an array of bumps to texture a brittle nonmetallic surface, such as a glass substrate for data recording disks. The texturing process uses a laser to provide pulses of proper energy fluence to the brittle glass surface to produce a plurality of raised bumps in the surface. The bump creation is accomplished without unwanted micro-cracking or ejection of surface material by limiting the laser pulse fluence to a value in a narrow operating region discovered below the abrupt thermal shock fluence threshold for the brittle nonmetallic surface material. The process is also applicable to other brittle surface textures, such as those intended for use as "stamping surfaces" for the contact reproduction of the negative of a surface pattern, such as an optical disk.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for metal line deposition on a substrate. Laser ablation of a metal film coated on a first substrate removes metal ions from the film. The ions travel forward to a surface of a second substrate disposed opposite the metal film on the first substrate and are deposited on the second substrate. A positive electrode on the first substrate, a negative electrode on the second substrate, and a power supply create an electric field that is simultaneously applied across the first and second substrates to bond the metal ions to the second substrate. Bonding is enhanced by repeated reflecting a laser beam through the second substrate to heat the second substrate. The laser beam is reflected between a reflector and the deposited metal line.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects 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, successive adjacent laminas, 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: A system for generating three-dimensional objects 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, 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: A method for producing an object by layerwise solidification of the object by means of electromagnetic radiation is expedited by simultaneously solidifying the material of a layer at a plurality of places.An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises an irradiation device (11, 12, 14, 15, 16) generating a plurality of beams (20, 21, 22) as well as a control device (7, 17, 18, 19) directing each of the plurality of beams independently to different regions of the layer (8a . . . 8d).

Abstract: A process for providing indicia to the surface of an article. The process comprising the steps of: providing an article having material initially forming at least a portion of its exterior surface; coating at least part of the material whereat indicia is to be provided to thereby form a film; contacting, with radiation from a radiation beam, indicia areas of the film intended to be provided with indicia, the radiation thereby removing the film and modifying the surface of the material of the indicia areas and also forming a mask in the non-indicia areas of the film; applying an ink to the indicia areas thereby forming the indicia on the surface; drying the ink; and removing the film.

Abstract: In forming a thin film pattern, first a seed material film is formed on a substrate and then exposed using electron beam lithography, for example, in the shape of the pattern. The latent image is then removed and an oriented material is deposited on one of the seed material and the substrtate, which have different hydrophilicity properties, to form the pattern. The oriented film is formed by an LB film forming method, in one example, and in another example the LB film material is a cresol novolak resin having a proportion of p-cresol novolak to m-cresol novolak of at least 20%.

Abstract: A method of effecting the coloration of a restoration to be mounted on a tooth including the steps of forming a mixture of powdered dental porcelain and a photonucleable silicate glass and shaping the mixture into a dental restoration. The dental restoration is heated in an oven to its fusing temperature and allowed to cool. Selected areas of the restoration are exposed to ultra-violet light. The dental restoration is reexposed to high energy while the color of the selected areas changes.