Abstract: There is provided a focus ring capable of preventing a part of a heat transfer sheet from adhering to and remaining on a mounting table. The focus ring is arranged to surround a periphery of a substrate mounted on the mounting table having a temperature control device. Further, the focus ring includes a flexible heat transfer sheet. Furthermore, the focus ring is in contact with the mounting table via the heat transfer sheet, and the heat transfer sheet has a contact surface in contact with the mounting table and an anti-adhesion layer formed on the contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material that has high gloss and excellent absorption and scratch off properties against sebum soiling; and a method for producing the heat-sensitive recording material. More specifically, the present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material containing a heat-sensitive recording layer, an intermediate layer, and a protective layer, which are sequentially formed in this order on a support. The heat-sensitive recording layer contains a leuco dye and a developer; the intermediate layer contains an aqueous adhesive; and the protective layer is cured by irradiation of an ultraviolet- or electron-beam-curable resin composition with ultraviolet light or an electron beam. The heat-sensitive recording material additionally contains, on the protective layer, an uppermost layer which contains an aqueous adhesive and a pigment having a mean particle diameter of not more than 100 nm.

Abstract: An insulating film material for plasma CVD of the present invention is constituted of a silicon compound including two hydrocarbon groups bonded to each other to form a ring structure together with a silicon atom, or at least one branched hydrocarbon group, wherein within the branched hydrocarbon group, ?-carbon that is a carbon atom bonded to the silicon atom constitutes a methylene group, and ?-carbon that is a carbon atom bonded to the methylene group or ?-carbon that is a carbon atom bonded to the ?-carbon is a branching point.

Abstract: Magnetic recording disks and associated fabrication methods are described for utilizing polymer structures in planarized magnetic media. A polymer fill material is deposited on the disk and a removal process is performed on the fill material to planarize the disk. In some embodiments, the fill material is deposited subsequent to bonding a lubrication layer to a protective layer on the disk. In other embodiments, the fill material is bonded directly to a protective layer on the disk.

Abstract: In a coating method, such as a droplet discharge method which requires baking, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the baking temperature at the time of forming a wiring and a conductive film. As a feature of the present invention, a composition, in which nanoparticles of a conductive material are dispersed in a solvent, is discharged using a droplet discharge method, and then dried to vaporize the solvent. Then, pretreatment using active oxygen is performed. After which, baking is then performed, whereby a wiring and a conductive film are formed. By performance of the pretreatment by active oxygen before the baking, a baking temperature at the time of forming the wiring and conductive film can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to streamer cables. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a streamer cable. The method may comprise retrofitting the streamer cable with a solid void-filler material, where the streamer cable was configured as a liquid-filled streamer cable. The retrofitting may comprise introducing a void-filler material into the streamer cable when the void-filler material is in a liquid state and curing or otherwise solidifying the void-filler material to a solid state. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a streamer cable comprising an outer skin and-at least one sensor positioned within the outer skin. The streamer cable may also comprise a solid void-filler material positioned between the outer skin and the at least one sensor, wherein the solid void-filler material is coupled to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A patterned retarder film with a plurality of first retardation regions and a plurality of second retardation regions and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes providing a base film; forming an alignment layer on a first surface of the base film; coating a liquid crystal material on the alignment layer as a liquid crystal layer; aligning the liquid crystal layer with the alignment layer; embossing the liquid crystal layer with a predetermined pattern to form a patterned layer with a plurality of first and second retardation regions. The structure of the first and second retardation regions are grating-like stripe structure and parallel to each other and the structure of the second retardation regions are grooving-like stripe structure and interleaved with each other. The patterned liquid crystal layer is cured. The phase retardation of the first and second retardation regions is different by 180°.

Abstract: A patterned retarder film comprises a first substrate, a pattern configuration, an alignment layer formed on the pattern configuration, and a liquid crystal layer disposed on the alignment layer. The pattern configuration comprises a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions, wherein the first regions are grating relief structure and interleaved with the second regions. A liquid crystal layer is coated on the alignment layer to cover the first regions and the second regions of the pattern configuration to a plane with a determined thickness on the surface of the first regions. The first phase retardation of the liquid crystal layer on the first regions and the second phase retardation of the liquid crystal layer on the second regions are different by 180°. The method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: Polysilanes, inks containing the same, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The polysilane generally has the formula H—[(AHR)n(c—AmHpm?2)q]—H, where each instance of A is independently Si or Ge; R is H, —AaHa+1Ra, Halogen, aryl or substituted aryl; (n+a)?10 if q=0, q?3 if n=0, and (n+q)?6 if both n and q?0; p is 1 or 2; and m is from 3 to 12. In one aspect, the method generally includes the steps of combining a silane compound of the formula AHaR14?a, the formula AkHgR1?h and/or the formula c—AmHpmR1rm with a catalyst of the formula R4xR5yMXz (or an immobilized derivative thereof) to form a poly(aryl)silane; then washing the poly(aryl)silane with an aqueous washing composition and contacting the poly(aryl)silane with an adsorbent to remove the metal M. In another aspect, the method includes the steps of halogenating a polyarylsilane to form a halopolysilane; and reducing the halopolysilane with a metal hydride to form the polysilane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printable precursor comprising an organometallic aluminium, gallium, neodymium, ruthenium, magnesium, hafnium, zirconium, indium and/or tin complex or a mixture thereof which contains at least one ligand from the class of the oximates, for electronic components, and to a preparation process. The invention furthermore relates to corresponding printed electronic components, preferably field-effect transistors.

Abstract: An adhesive flexible barrier film comprises a substrate and a barrier layer disposed on the substrate. The barrier layer is formed from a barrier composition comprising an organosilicon compound. The adhesive flexible barrier film also comprises an adhesive layer disposed on the barrier layer and formed from an adhesive composition. A method of forming the adhesive flexible barrier film comprises the steps of disposing the barrier composition on the substrate to form the barrier layer, disposing the adhesive composition on the barrier layer to form the adhesive layer, and curing the barrier layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive flexible barrier film may be utilized in organic electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings and to a method for surface finishing, in particular for producing durable and stable surface coatings using ink jet printing methods. The coating according to the invention comprises a first layer, which can be produced from one or more ink jet-capable inks, and a second layer, which can be produced from one or more top coats, wherein at least the first layer is applied using an ink jet print head.

Abstract: Coating composition comprising a char forming compound as a first compound capable of forming a coloured substance upon exposition to energy; at least one latent activator selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium sulfite, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium sulfamate and ammonium sulfate; and a second compound capable of forming a coloured substance upon exposition to energy selected from the group consisting of colour formers, oxygen containing transition metal compounds, and metal-chelate-type colour forming systems; a coating composition comprising a char forming compound as a first compound capable of forming a coloured substance upon exposition to energy, and a second compound capable of forming a coloured substance upon exposition to energy selected from the group consisting of colour formers and metal-chelate-type colour forming systems; a process for the preparation of these compositions, substrates coated with these compositions and a process for their pre

Abstract: A resin material is brought into contact with a first solution containing ozone, and at the same time, ultraviolet rays are irradiated. The activation due to the treatment with ozone water and the activation due to the treatment with ultraviolet rays are synergistically operated to enable the formation of a plated coating having excellent adhesive strength by a short treatment. In addition, even by a long treatment, the adhesive strength can be restrained from lowering. Consequently, a plated coating having excellent adhesion can be formed without roughening the surface of the resin material by a short pretreatment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method forms a lens with wavefront coding. The method includes positioning a lens in a mold; and curing material onto a surface of the lens to form an aspheric surface of the lens with wavefront coding. In another embodiment, a system for fabricating and evaluating a modified lens includes a collar for holding an initial lens, the initial lens having a front surface and a rear surface, a pin having a surface for molding a moldable material onto the front surface of the initial lens, to form the modified lens, an image forming arrangement; and a test object to be imaged by the modified lens and the image forming arrangement.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: Methods of leveling ink on substrates and apparatuses useful in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the methods includes irradiating ink disposed on a first surface of a porous substrate with radiation emitted by at least one flash lamp. The radiation flash heats the ink to at least a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink to allow the ink to flow laterally on the first surface to produce leveling of the ink. The ink is heated sufficiently rapidly that heat transfer from the ink to the substrate is sufficiently small during the leveling that ink at the substrate interface is cooled to a temperature below the viscosity threshold temperature thereby preventing any significant ink permeation into the substrate from the first surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving mechanical properties of a dielectric film on a substrate are provided. In some embodiments, the dielectric film is a carbon-doped oxide (CDO). The methods involve the use of modulated ultraviolet radiation to increase the mechanical strength while limiting shrinkage and limiting any increases in the dielectric constant of the film. Methods improve film hardness, modulus and cohesive strength, which provide better integration capability and improved performance in the subsequent device fabrication procedures such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and packaging.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electron source having a self-aligned gate aperture is disclosed. A substrate is deposited on a first conductive layer. Over the first conductive layer an emitter layer is deposited. The emitter layer includes one or a plurality of spaced-apart nano-structures and a solid surface with nano-structures protruding above the surface. An insulator is conformally deposited over the emitter layer surface and forms a post from each protruding nano-structure. A second conductive layer is deposited over the insulator and the second conductive layer and the insulator are removed from the nano-structures such that apertures are formed in the second conductive layer and at least the ends of the nano-structures are exposed at the centers of said apertures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of providing a plastic substrate with a metallic pattern and to a plastic substrate with a metallic pattern obtainable by said method. The method of the invention comprises i) replicating a pattern of recesses and protrusions on a plastic substrate by pressing a stamp having recesses and protrusions against the substrate, thereby providing said plastic substrate with recesses and protrusions; ii) removing said stamp from said substrate; iii)—applying a layer of seed material capable of initiating an electroless or electrochemical metal deposition process onto said plastic substrate in a selective pattern at least in the recesses of said plastic substrate to yield a substrate wherein said seed material remains selectively in the recesses of said substrate; and thereafter iv) using said seed material to initiate a metal deposition process.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting coating includes a primer layer having incorporated therein corrosion inhibitor-loaded containers which release a corrosion inhibitor in response to electromagnetic irradiation; and a container-free protective top layer which, when intact, prevents spontaneous opening of the containers in the primer layer induced by electromagnetic irradiation, wherein the coating-releases an inhibitor in response to electromagnetic irradiation if the protective top layer contains defective areas which enable direct exposure of the containers to the electromagnetic irradiation.

Abstract: A structure that comprises a substrate; a cross-linked random free radical copolymer on the substrate; and a self-assembled patterned diblock copolymer film on the random copolymer; wherein the random copolymer is energy neutral with respect to each block of the diblock copolymer film. A method of making the structure is provided.

Abstract: A curing lamp apparatus mounts to a work surface with a suction cup. A base is mounted to the suction cup. A flexible neck extends from the base to the lamp head. The lamp head includes a lamp element with first and second UV light sources which emit UV light at different wavelengths. A control circuit is located in the base. A heat sink is provided on the lamp head including a conductive plate and projecting pins. A protective housing encloses the plate and pins. A timing circuit controls the light source for automatic shut off. External or internal power is provided for the control circuit.

Abstract: According to the invention, an insulating or semi-insulating barrier layer which has a thickness where a tunnel current can flow through is provided between a hole injection electrode and an organic compound layer with hole transport characteristics (a hole injection layer or a hole transport layer). Specifically, a thin insulating or semi-insulating barrier layer which contains silicon or silicon oxide; silicon or silicon oxide and a light transmitting conductive oxide material; or silicon or silicon oxide, a light transmitting conductive oxide material, and carbon may be provided between a light transmitting conductive oxide film formed of a light transmitting conductive oxide material, such as ITO and a hole injection layer containing an organic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the bonded adhesion, or connection, of a plurality of wire-shaped individual elements into an arrangement, particularly into a wire band, wherein the adjacent individual elements have predetermined breaking points allowing for the mechanical removal of the individual elements. The bonded adhesion is brought about according to the invention utilizing a two-layer system on the basis of acrylate resins consisting of an inner coating (A) and of an outer coating (B), wherein the inner coating (A) has a lower hardness, than the outer coating. In a further aspect the invention also comprises arranging a plurality of wire-shaped individual elements through such a bonded connection, particularly a wire band.

Abstract: A non-catalytic method for making high aspect ratio metal particles comprises: mixing a preheated metallic salt solution with a preheated reducing solution, the reducing solution comprising a carboxylic acid or salt thereof and an acrylic copolymer; and heating the reaction mixture to a first temperature and maintaining the mixture at the first temperature for a first period of time, then heating the reaction mixture to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature and maintaining the mixture at the second temperature for a second period of time. The metal cations in the metallic salt are reduced by the reducing solution to form a plurality of crystallized metallic particles having a high aspect ratio. Electrically conductive articles incorporating the high aspect ratio metal particles and methods for their manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for alignment of nanoparticles on a substrate. The system includes: a substrate; a plurality of polypeptide templates formed on the substrate; and a plurality of nanoparticles formed on the polypeptide templates. The method includes: providing a substrate; forming a plurality of polypeptide templates on the substrate; and forming a plurality of nanoparticles on the polypeptide templates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial-shaped liquid crystal compound, and an optical film and a liquid crystal display device comprising the same. Particularly the present invention provides a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 comprising a radial-shaped core of tetraphenyl ethylene in which four phenyl groups are bonded to an ethylene group, and makes it possible to provide an optical film which can minimize the change of color according to viewing angle and has an improved contrast ratio and high refractive anisotropy, and a liquid crystal display device comprising the same, by using the compound.

Abstract: A process of the manufacturing of decorative boards with an abrasion resistant surface and edges with joining functionality. This process includes the steps of a) cutting a carrier board to the desired dimension and molding edges with joining functionality, b) treating at least the upper surface of the board, c) applying radiation curable dry acrylic lacquer powder by means of electrostatic spray nozzles, d) heating the acrylic lacquer so that it melts, and e) curing the acrylic lacquer by UV- or electron beam radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed heroin are an anti-counterfeiting film and a process for preparation thereof. The anti-counterfeiting film comprises a protective layer (1), a binder layer (2), a retroreflective layer (3), a photopolymerizable information layer (4) and a reflective layer (5) which are combined in turn. The retroreflective layer (3) is embedded spherically in the binder layer (2), and the photopolymerizable information layer (4) has been recorded with graphics information which can change along with the viewing angle.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications.

Abstract: Methods for forming doped silane and/or semiconductor thin films, doped liquid phase silane compositions useful in such methods, and doped semiconductor thin films and structures. The composition is generally liquid at ambient temperatures and includes a Group IVA atom source and a dopant source. By irradiating a doped liquid silane during at least part of its deposition, a thin, substantially uniform doped oligomerized/polymerized silane film may be formed on a substrate. Such irradiation is believed to convert the doped silane film into a relatively high-molecular weight species with relatively high viscosity and relatively low volatility, typically by cross-linking, isomerization, oligomerization and/or polymerization. A film formed by the irradiation of doped liquid silanes can later be converted (generally by heating and annealing/recrystallization) into a doped, hydrogenated, amorphous silicon film or a doped, at least partially polycrystalline silicon film suitable for electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for coating a plant propagation material, including a seed, comprising: a.) providing a propagation material, such as seed, to be coated; b.) applying to the propagation material a composition comprising at least one reactant having reactive functionality and, optionally, at least one active ingredient; and c.) polymerising, crosslinking, curing or otherwise reacting the reactant having reactive functionality on the surface of the plant propagation material to form a coating thereon which may encompass an a.i., when present. The present invention further provides a method for enhancing the safety, quality and/or viability of a plant propagation material, including a seed, comprising providing a coated material having less dust-off.

Abstract: The present method for coating a Fresnel lens blank includes providing an uncoated Fresnel lens blank having a structure surface and a non-structured surface, providing a transparent mold part having molding surface substantially matching the base curvature of the Fresnel lens, depositing a metered quantity of coating resin between the molding surface and the structured surface of the Fresnel lens, applying pressure between the Fresnel lens and the mold part while maintaining the distance between the molding surface and the structure surface so that the thickness of the coating is greater than 1.5 times the Fresnel structural height of the structured surface and less than 5 times of the Fresnel structure height of the structured surface and curing the resin coating in situ by directing the incident UV radiation at the Fresnel lens. A double coating may be employed for obtaining both higher optical power and better mechanical properties.

Abstract: A conductive nanowire film based on a high aspect-ratio metal is disclosed. The nanowire film is produced by inducing metal reduction in a concentrated surfactant solution containing metal precursor ions, a surfactant and a reducing agent. The metal nanostructures demonstrate utility in a great variety of applications.

Abstract: An interconnect structure is provided that has improved electromigration resistance as well as methods of forming such an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure includes an interconnect dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 4.0 or less. The interconnect dielectric material has at least one opening therein that is filled with a Cu-containing material. The Cu-containing material within the at least one opening has an exposed upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the interconnect dielectric material. The interconnect structure further includes a composite M-MOx cap located at least on the upper surface of the Cu-containing material within the at least one opening. The composite M-MOx cap includes an upper region that is composed of the metal having a higher affinity for oxygen than copper and copper oxide and a lower region that is composed of a non-stoichiometric oxide of said metal.

Abstract: There is described a powder composition curable by radiation and thermally, comprising a mixture of (a) from about 1% to about 15%, by weight of the mixture, of a polyester of Tg?40° C.

Abstract: A method for forming a patterned layer on the substrate structure, comprising the steps of providing a substrate structure, a plurality of banks formed on the substrate, the banks and the substrate cooperatively defining a plurality of accommodating rooms, jetting ink into the accommodating rooms using an ink jet device, and solidifying the ink in the accommodating rooms to form the patterned layer on the substrate structure.

Abstract: A white LED phosphor film is provided. The white LED phosphor film includes a transparent phosphor carrier, and an LED phosphor layer. The LED phosphor layer is manufactured on the phosphor carrier by screen printing process. A method of manufacturing the white LED phosphor film is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive having excellent durability and reliability under high-temperature or high-humidity conditions, adhesion strength, workability, re-movability, and the ability to inhibit light leakage; a method for preparing the pressure-sensitive adhesive; a polarizer including the pressure-sensitive adhesive; and a liquid crystal display incorporating the polarizer.

Abstract: A method for selectively functionalizing a non-modified solid surface to create a photoresponsive coating layer includes: functionalizing a non-modified solid surface only, which is not oxidized and nitrified, with hydrogen; forming an EGPA coating layer on the non-modified solid surface functionalized with hydrogen using light; forming an EGA coating layer by removing an amine protecting group or an amine salt from the EGPA coating layer; and forming a coating layer having a photoresponsive functional group on the non-modified solid surface using the EGA coating layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an alignment layer comprises depositing an alignment material on a substrate, the alignment material including reactive mesogens and a photoinitiator, the reactive mesogen having a mesogen, flexible spacers at ends of the mesogen, and photo-reactive end groups formed at ends of the flexible spacers, applying an electric field to the alignment material in a predetermined direction, and applying UV light to the alignment material applied by the electric field applied thereto to polymerize the photo-reactive end groups with each other.

Abstract: An optical light diffuser component and a method of producing the same. The component comprises at least one substrate material with an index of refraction of n1 and at least one optical coating on the substrate with having an index of refraction of n2. The indices n1 and n2 are different. The optical light diffuser component produces uniform and diffuse light pattern from spot like light source, such as LED lamp, in terms of high optical transmission. The optical transmission is better than 90% at the visible spectrum of the light.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing and curing a curable material on a substrate comprising a deposition means configured to deposit the curable material on the substrate along a deposition path, and a light source configured to direct a beam of light on the deposited curable material to thereby at least partially cure the curable material and thereby prevent it from substantially deforming in shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure comprising: at least one mesostructured layer, prepared by a sol/gel method from at least one specific metallic molecular precursor in the presence of a specific texturing agent and a metal substrate. The invention further relates to the method for production and use thereof in aeronautics and aerospace.

Abstract: A curable resin composition for an ink jet printer including: (A) a bis-allyl-nadi-imide compound defined by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; (B) a bismaleimide compound defined by the following general formula (2): wherein R2 represents an alkyl group having 2 to 32 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; and (C) a diluent including a polymerizable monomer (C-2) having an acryloyl group and/or a methacryloyl group; and having a viscosity of 150 mPa·s or lower at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to coating materials, including photoactive coating materials. In some aspects of the invention, a sol-gel is provided that can be formed as a coating on a microfluidic channel. One or more portions of the sol-gel can be reacted to alter its hydrophobicity, in some cases. For instance, in one set of embodiments, a portion of the sol-gel may be exposed to light, such as ultraviolet light, which can be used to induce a chemical reaction in the sol-gel that alters its hydrophobicity. In one set of embodiments, the sol-gel can include a photoinitiator, that upon exposure to light, produces radicals. Optionally, the photoinitiator may be conjugated to a silane or other material within the sol-gel. The radicals so produced may be used to cause a polymerization reaction to occur on the surface of the sol-gel, thus altering the hydrophobicity of the surface. In some cases, various portions may be reacted or left unreacted, e.g.

Abstract: A method including applying a coating composition on a substrate to form a coating, wherein the coating has a first surface roughness; transferring a pattern to the coating to form a patterned coating, wherein the patterned coating has a second surface roughness different from the first surface roughness; and curing the patterned coating to form a cured coating with a desired level of gloss.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for deposition of films using energy dispensers combined with film-material dispensers. The processes achieve high energy efficiency and speed by deposition of film materials that absorb energy in a designed radiation band, coupled with delivery of energy using a radiation source with a band matched to the absorbance band of the film deposition material. It is possible to use the energy for drying, fusion, chemical conversion, sintering of the deposited materials to produce films for visual, graphic or electronic applications. The process does not cause significant heating of substrates. The energy can be delivered to specified material deposition locations, thus using substantially less energy than bulk heating.

Abstract: A method for treating a bond area of a workpiece, and a method for adhesively bonding workpieces are disclosed. The method for treating a bond area of a workpiece includes cleaning the bond area, activating the bond area, coating at least a portion of the bond area with an adhesion promoter, and chemically transforming the adhesion promoter with an aftertreatment. The method for adhesively bonding workpieces includes cleaning a bond area of a first workpiece, activating the bond area, coating at least a portion of the bond area with an adhesion promoter, chemically transforming the adhesion promoter with an aftertreatment, applying an adhesive to the bond area, bringing the other workpiece into contact with the first workpiece, and curing the adhesive.