Abstract: A method of vapor depositing a film is provided wherein the film is not thermally damaged or broken due to the effects of heat and electrification of the film during the heating of a vapor deposition material. The film can be moved and vapor-deposited stably, and a loss of the film can be decreased as compared to the conventional method. The method forms a thin film on a long film, comprising aromatic polyamide, in vacuum. During the heating of the vapor deposition material, the long film stands still or is moved at a very low speed of 1 m/min or less, wherein a shielding plate is placed between the vapor deposition material and the long film. Once the vapor deposition material is completely molten, a substantial movement of the long film is started. At the same time or thereafter, the shielding plate is removed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high temperature superconductor is disclosed. The method includes depositing, by pulsed laser deposition, alternating layers of YBa2Cu3O7-x (Y123) and Y2BaCuO5-y (Y211). The Y211 layers are characterized by a multiplicity of nanosized globular inclusions, effectively enhancing flux pinning and thus increasing current transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a surface layer with embedded inter-metallic phases, which is distinguished by the fact that a layer comprising a metal and a ceramic is applied to a substrate element, that a reaction takes place between the metal and the ceramic of the layer as a result of energy being introduced during the application of the layer or as a result of a subsequent introduction of energy, and as a result the surface layer is produced, with inter-metallic phases being formed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the synthesis of multi-component substances, comprising entities of at least two elements, molecules, grains, crystals, structural units, or phases of matter, in which the scale of the distribution of the elements, molecules, or phases of matter may range from on the order of nanometers or less, to about one millimeter, depending upon the specific materials and process conditions that are chosen. The method and apparatus of the present invention further provides processes for preparing these compositions of matter as thin films or particles.

Abstract: A process for forming a thin metal oxide film is disclosed that comprises molding an amorphous powder of organic metal chelate complexes to obtain a target. The process also includes subjecting the target to a PVD process that forms the thin metal oxide.

Abstract: High areal storage density, patterned magnetic media comprising a patterned plurality of at least partially crystalline, ferromagnetic particles or grains are provided by means of a simple, economical process wherein a non-magnetic substrate is provided with a layer of an amorphous, paramagnetic or anti-paramagnetic material comprising at least one component, e.g., a metal element, which is ferromagnetic when in at least partially crystalline form, and at least partially crystallizing the at least one component at selected areas of the amorphous layer to form a spaced-apart pattern of at least partially crystallized, ferromagnetic particles or grains of the at least one component, the particles or grains being spaced apart and surrounded by a matrix of the amorphous material. Embodiments include utilizing a focussed or scanned laser source and an amorphous Ni—P layer for forming ferromagnetic Ni particles or grains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite polymers containing nanometer-sized metal particles and manufacturing method thereof, which can be uniformly dispersed nanometer-sized metal particles into polymers, thereby allowing the use thereof as optically, electrically and magnetically functional materials. The method for manufacturing composite polymers containing nanometer-sized metal particles includes the steps of: dispersing at least one metal precursor into a matrix made of polymers in a molecule level; and irradiating rays of light on the matrix containing the metal precursors dispersed in the molecule level and reducing the metal precursors into metals and fixing nanometer sized metal particles inside of matrix.

Abstract: A method of marking materials, wherein the surface of a marking material and the surface of a material to be marked are matched, a laser beam is applied to the marking material while scanning the beam to form a mark, the material to be marked consisting a transparent body on which a pattern of a character or the like is formed. The method for marking comprises a first step of applying the laser beam to the marking material with the first laser power to evaporate the marking material and make them deposit to a predetermined part of the material to be marked, a second step of applying a laser beam to the deposited matter on the material to be marked with a second laser power to remove or transform the deposited mater. Steel or stainless steel is used as the marking materials.

Abstract: A composite layer of a sorbent, chemoselective, non-electrically-conducting polymer and nano-particles of an electrically conducting material dispersed throughout the polymer is formed on a substrate by pulsed laser deposition, matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation or matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct writing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photoresist-free method for depositing films composed of metals, such as copper, or its oxides from metal complexes. More specifically, the method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The metal complexes have the formula MfLgXh, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Au, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, Li, Na, K, Ba, Sr, Mo, Ru, Pd, Pt, Re, Ir, and Os; L is a ligand of the formula (R2NCR′2CR″2O), wherein R, R′ and R″ are independently selected from H, CnHm, and CnHmAxBy, wherein A and B are independently selected from main group elements and f, g, h, n, m, x and y represent integers; and X is an anion independently selected from N3, NCO, NO3, NO2, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, H and CH3. These films, upon, for example, thermal, photochemical or electron beam irradiation may be converted to the metal or its oxides.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to develop a method for producing massive-amorphous layers on massive metallic shaped bodies. According to the method, amorphous layers having a thickness of >20 &mgr;m can be produced in only one procedure step. To this end, alloys which can be used for producing massive metallic glasses under quick solidification conditions or alloy elements which can be used for producing massive metallic glasses together with the elements of the shaped body material and under quick solidification conditions are molten by means of high-energy radiation are directly applied onto the massive metallic shaped body for producing an amorphous layer that is >20 &mgr;m up to several millimeter thick or are alloyed into the surface of the shaped bodies. The melt is quickly solidified by means of natural cooling and/or forced air cooling of the shaped body. The inventive method enables to coat metallic shaped bodies with massive metallic glasses which improve the surface characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organometal complex and a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) method for preparing a metal silicate thin layer using same. The inventive method can easily prepare the metal silicate thin layer having a desired composition which can be effectively used as a gate insulating layer for various semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming thin films, wherein thin films with a uniform thickness can be formed on substrates as objects such as spheroids, even when the films are formed by conventional film-formation methods using an incident particle beam coming from a specific direction (e.g., evaporation and sputtering). In the method, thin films are formed on substrates such as spheroids with an incident particle beam coming from a particle source located in a specific direction by performing a spin motion together with a swing motion. The spin motion is a rotation of the substrate at a constant angular velocity about the spheroidal axis. The swing motion is a rotational oscillation of the same substrate for rotationally oscillating the axis at a constant cycle in one surface, where the center of the rotational oscillation is in the vicinity of the midpoint between two focal points on the axis of the spheroid.

Abstract: A nickel-base superalloy article has a surface protective layer comprising nickel, from about 20 to about 35 weight percent aluminum, and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent rhenium. The protective layer, which is preferably an overlay coating of the beta (&bgr;) phase NiAl form, is formed by depositing nickel, aluminum, rhenium, and modifying elements onto the substrate surface. A ceramic layer may be deposited overlying the protective layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical part with abrasionproof surface characterized in that it comprises a sintered metallic body obtained from metallic powders and a laser-deposited cermet coating. The coating has a certain thickness whereof a portion is metallurgically bound with the metallic body. The laser deposit enables the sintered part to be surface-melted under the effect of the laser beam. The surface of the sintered part to be coated is therefore fused over a thickness ranging between 10 &mgr;m and 1 mm, which enables the surface pores to be closed, as is characteristic of sintered parts, thereby increasing its resistance to shocks. Moreover, the small surface coated at a given moment by the laser enables the self-hardening of the exposed part, following the beam displacement, by the heat-sink effect of the surrounding metallic volume. The resulting coating also has very low porosity owing to the complete fusion of the powders by laser.

Abstract: A method of laser marking which comprises applying a laser beam to a metal surface under the influence of an assist gas to produce durable, repeatable and striking colors on the metal surface. The method provides an easy and flexible alternative to conventional metal decorating techniques.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film includes the steps of: supplying a deposition material in the form of a liquid onto a heated surface; heating and vaporizing the deposition material on the heated surface while the deposition material is undergoing movement; and depositing the deposition material onto a deposition surface. The deposition material is supplied onto a position of the heated surface where the vaporized deposition material does not reach the deposition surface.

Abstract: A nickel base single crystal compliant layer on a ceramic blade has the capability to sustain high stresses and high operating temperature. Layers of nickel and platinum bonded on a single crystal superalloy over a sputtered gold-chromium layer support the high stress levels at elevated temperature without extrusion of the soft platinum or nickel layer and without destruction of an NiO compliant surface. The compliant layers have survived stress and temperature conditions without failure to the ceramic blade and the system can be stressed/heated and unloaded/cooled repeatedly without damage to the ceramic blades. A single crystal nickel base superalloy (i.e., SC180) has high strength properties at elevated temperature. Thin layers of chromium followed by gold are e-beam evaporated on one side of a polished surface of the alloy. Pure nickel is electroplated over this e-beam gold-chromium layer. Platinum is either electroplated or plated electrolessly over the nickel layer.

Abstract: An exemplary method of selectively patterning a hard mask or reticle using a laser to cause deposition of hard mask material in locations forming the hard mask pattern. This method can include providing a vapor in a vapor chamber containing an integrated circuit substrate, and applying a laser to selected areas of the integrated circuit substrate to cause a reaction with the vapor and create a structure on the integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a metal oxide, which comprises the steps of: dissolving a metal organic compound (e.g. a metal organic acid salt, a metal acetylacetonato complex, and a metal alkoxide having an organic group with 6 or more carbon atoms) in a solvent to provide a state of solution, applying the solution onto a substrate, drying the solution, and subjecting the resultant substrate to irradiation with a laser light of a 400 nm or less wavelength, to form a metal oxide on the substrate. According to that method, a metal oxide can be produced without applying a heat treatment at a high temperature of the degree adopted in the conventionally known application thermal decomposition method.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner surface of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: directing a laser beam against the inner barrel surface to cause melting of regions thereof; introducing a coating material in one of powder, wire and ribbon form into the laser beam for melting the coating material to produce in the surface regions a molten bath composed of the molten coating material and a material of the weapon barrel; and moving the laser beam inside the weapon barrel axially thereof and relative thereto, whereby the molten substance of the bath becomes rigid as the laser beam moves away therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided in which a metal precursor is formed in a process that includes the following steps: depositing a metal precursor on a substrate; adding an energy to reduce the metal precursor and to precipitate metal on the substrate as a continuous metal layer; and selecting the metal precursor and the energy such that the purity of the continuous metal layer is greater than 85%, and/or the deposited layer has an electrical conductivity substantially that of a pure metal. Methods and apparatus are also provided in which a metal is deposited onto a substrate by a process which includes the following steps: depositing the metal precursor onto the substrate in a desired pattern; and applying sufficient energy to decompose the precursor to precipitate metal in a continuous metal layer in the desired pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed which allow uniform coatings to be applied by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on inner and outer surfaces of cylindrical objects, such as rods, pipes, tubes, and wires. The use of PLD makes this technique particularly suitable for complex multicomponent materials, such as superconducting ceramics. Rigid objects of any length, i.e., pipes up to a few meters, and with diameters from less than 1 centimeter to over 10 centimeters can be coated using this technique. Further, deposition is effected simultaneously onto an annular region of the pipe wall. This particular arrangement simplifies the apparatus, reduces film uniformity control difficulties, and can result in faster operation cycles. In addition, flexible wires of any length can be continuously coated using the disclosed invention.

Abstract: For the purpose of producing a method for detaching a segment—disposed on a carrier—from a material layer extending in a layer plane and having a specific layer thickness, by means of a laser pulse passing through the carrier in such a way as to detach segments from a material layer with as little thermal stress and as few thermal secondary effects as possible, it is proposed that the laser pulse within a segment layer-component volume butting against the carrier, the said layer-component volume lying in the plane of the layer within an extent of the beam cross-section of the laser pulse and extending transversely to the layer plane via a part of the layer thickness, produces superheated matter of a density similar to the solid state in a state of thermodynamic non-equilibrium and in particular at a temperature above the critical temperature, and that a cohesive, solid partial layer remains in the segment on the side of the layer-component volume opposite to the carrier, the said partial layer bei

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned magnetic nanostructure is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a non-magnetic single layer or multi layer film that can be converted into a magnetic state by annealing and/or mixing. The method further includes positioning a mask having a desired pattern and resolution associated with the patterned magnetic nanostructure on or over the film. The method additionally includes subjecting the mask-covered substrate to a beam of radiation (focussed or unfocussed) having sufficient energy to locally anneal and/or mix the non-magnetic or weak-magnetic single-layer or multi layer film. Because of the mask effect, only the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are exposed to the beam of radiation. As such, the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are changed from a non-magnetic to a magnetic state to produce an array of magnetic elements in a non-magnetic matrix. The size of each magnetic element is dependent on the resolution of mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an antifriction element (6), by means of which a coating is applied to at least one surface (10) of the antifriction element (6) under vacuum, by guiding the antifriction element (6) through a particle flow (4), which at least partially forms the coating, in a rotary motion about an axis perpendicular to the particle flow longitudinal median axis (5) or parallel with a length of a device containing the coating substance (2).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing valve seats using a laser cladding process is provided that includes forming a casting material on which the valve seats are to be formed; fabricating a valve seat target position on which laser cladding will be performed, the valve seat target position being provided at a location on the casting material where a valve seat is to be formed; removing an oxidation film formed on the valve seat target position; injecting a metal powder mixture on the valve seat target position, the metal powder mixture being realized through a mixture of two or more metal powders at a predetermined ratio by weight %; and irradiating a laser beam on the metal powder mixture to clad the metal powder mixture on the valve seat target position to thereby form the valve seat.

Abstract: A laminate material composite structure is fabricated using a laser-based direct-metal deposition process to provide unique physical and mechanical properties. The relative difference in physical properties such as thermal conductivity between dissimilar pure metals or metal alloys provides the ability to deposit highly conductive materials having a low level of porosity using the DMD laser-based process. The proximity of a pure metal or metal alloy which has relatively high mechanical properties, compared to that of thermally conductive material, provides the structural strength, hardness and wear resistance required of mold materials. The combination of physical and mechanical properties associated with the laminate material composite structure provide thermal management benefits which result in a reduction in molding process cycle times and improved part quality.

Abstract: A method of forming an oriented film. A target is provided and material from the target is ablated onto a substrate to form a film. The film is heated in a synthesis gel of the target material to orient the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming thin films, wherein thin films with a uniform thickness can be formed on substrates as objects such as spheroids, even when the films are formed by conventional film-formation methods using an incident particle beam coming from a specific direction (e.g., evaporation and sputtering). In the method, thin films are formed on substrates such as spheroids with an incident particle beam coming from a particle source located in a specific direction by performing a spin motion together with a swing motion. The spin motion is a rotation of the substrate at a constant angular velocity about the spheroidal axis. The swing motion is a rotational oscillation of the same substrate for rotationally oscillating the axis at a constant cycle in one surface, where the center of the rotational oscillation is in the vicinity of the midpoint between two focal points on the axis of the spheroid.

Abstract: A method for depositing nanoparticles in a thin film through the dispersion of such nanoparticles in a precursor solution which is deposited on a substrate and converted into a metal or metal oxide film. The resulting metal or metal oxide film will contain embedded nanoparticles. Such films can be used in a variety of applications such as diffusion barriers, electrodes for capacitors, conductors, resistors, inductors, dielectrics, or magnetic materials. The nanoparticle material may be selected by one skilled in the art based on the particular application.

Abstract: A method for depositing a transfer material onto a receiving substrate uses a source of laser energy, a receiving substrate, and a target substrate. The target substrate comprises a laser-transparent support having a laser-facing surface and a support surface. The target substrate also comprises a composite material having a back surface in contact with the support surface and a front surface. The composite material comprises a mixture of the transfer material to be deposited and a matrix material. The matrix material is a material that has the property that, when it is exposed to laser energy, it desorbs from the laser-transparent support. The source of laser energy is positioned in relation to the target substrate so that laser energy is directed through the laser-facing surface of the target substrate and through the laser-transparent support to strike the composite material at a defined target location. The receiving substrate is positioned in a spaced relation to the target substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabricating medical devices are disclosed. A device in accordance with the present inventions includes a laser beam source capable of producing a laser beam, a carrier coupled to a carrier motion actuator capable of moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and a workpiece motion actuator capable of moving a workpiece relative the laser beam. A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of positioning the carrier between the laser beam source and the workpiece, illuminating a portion of the carrier with the laser beam, moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and moving the workpiece relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner surface of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: directing a laser beam against the inner barrel surface to cause melting of regions thereof; introducing a coating material in one of powder, wire and ribbon form into the laser beam for melting the coating material to produce in the surface regions a molten bath composed of the molten coating material and a material of the weapon barrel; and moving the laser beam inside the weapon barrel axially thereof and relative thereto, whereby the molten substance of the bath becomes rigid as the laser beam moves away therefrom.

Abstract: A ceramic heat barrier coating is deposited on a substrate so that the coating has a columnar growth pattern which is interrupted and repeated a number of times throughout its thickness by successive regermination of the ceramic deposit. The regermination is obtained by a vapor phase deposition process wherein a polluting gas is introduced intermittently during the deposition of the ceramic. The resulting ceramic coating has a lower thermal conductivity than conventional columnar ceramic coatings.

Abstract: A method for applying wear reducing material to a tool joint useful in a wellbore in drilling operations, the method, in at least certain aspects, including positioning the tool joint adjacent laser beam apparatus, delivering wear-reducing material to a location on the tool joint to which the wear-reducing material is to be applied, heating the wear-reducing material with the laser beam apparatus to a temperature not exceeding its melting temperature so that the wear-reducing material is welded to the tool joint; in one particular aspect, using a defocused laser beam to achieve desired heating temperatures; and, in one aspect, defocusing the laser so no plasma is formed.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate with an oriented film. A target is ablated to create a plume. The substrate is manipulated, which may be by vibration, in the plume to coat the substrate with a film. The film is heated in a synthesis gel of the target to form the oriented film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depositing a catalyst onto a substrate through the use of pulsed laser radiation. A solution is prepared containing the catalyst and the support. The beam from a pulsed laser whose wavelength is such that it is absorbed by the catalyst is directed into the liquid. The laser reduces the catalyst particle size and allows it to be deposited as a film or as small diameter particles onto the support thereby giving a catalyst with enhanced activity.

Abstract: Overhang and undercut features, as well as cavities, channels, pipes and three-dimensional voids and other structures are fabricated using a laser-aided direct-metal deposition (DMD) processes. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished through the selective deposition of a lower melting point sacrificial material. Following the integrated deposition of both sacrificial and non-sacrificial materials using DMD, the part is soaked in a furnace at a temperature sufficiently high to melt out the sacrificial material. As preferred options, the heating is performed in an inert gas environment to minimize oxidation, with a gas spray also being used to blow out remaining deposits. Using this technique, articles having integral sensors and cooling channels may be used as part of an automated system for controlling the temperature, stress and strain during the shaping or forming of a product using the resultant smart die or mold.

Abstract: A process for producing a wear-resistant cylinder bearing surface includes rotating a laser about its longitudinal axis and simultaneously advancing the laser in a direction of the longitudinal axis which is coaxial with a cylinder of a crankcase. A powdery material is fed through the laser and a jet of the powdery material is directed toward the cylinder bearing surface. A laser beam is deflected to an impact region where the jet of the powdery material impinges on the cylinder bearing surface. The jet of the powdery material passes through the laser beam. The laser beam at least partially melts the impact region before the powdery material impinges on the impact region. A device for producing wear-resistant surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photoresist-free method for depositing films composed of metals, such as copper, or its oxides from metal complexes. More specifically, the method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The metal complexes have the formula MfLgXh, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Au, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, Li, Na, K, Ba, Sr, Mo, Ru, Pd, Pt, Re, Ir, and Os, L is a ligand of the formula (R2NCR2′CO) wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H, CnHm and CnHmAxBy wherein A and B are independently selected from main group elements and f, g, h, n, m, x and y represent integers and wherein X is an anion independently selected from N3, NCO, NO3, NO2, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, H and CH3. These films, upon, for example, thermal, photochemical or electron beam irradiation may be converted to the metal or its oxides.

Abstract: A nickel alloy composition, having particular utility for forming an oxidation resistant blade tip on a turbine blade, preferably has a composition substantially as defined by the nominal composition Cr 4.5 wt %; Al 6 wt %; Co 4 wt %; Ta 6 wt %; Re 4 wt %; Hf 0.15 wt %; C 0.05 wt %; Si 0.1 wt %.; B 0.005 wt %; W 2 wt %; La 0.003-0.005 wt %; and Y 0.003 to 0.005 wt %; the remainder being nickel.

Abstract: Mesoporous transition metal oxide thin films and methods for producing these films are provided. Also provided are methods of fabricating useful chemical sensors and electrochromic devices from the thin films of the invention. Certain mesoporous transition metal oxide molecular sieves may be used as targets for pulsed laser ablation under controlled atmosphere, resulting in deposition of a thin film of the target material upon a substrate of choice. The thin films possess a mesoporous structure which may be enhanced by means of a hydrothermal treatment. The thin films also may be treated with a means of removing the templating agent used during synthesis of the mesoporous target material.

Abstract: A method for coating a plastic substrate with an abrasion resistant metal oxide layer which includes placing the plastic substrate in a vacuum chamber, forming a vacuum in the chamber, conducting electron beam evaporation of an oxide-forming metal or a metal oxide in the vacuum chamber, passing the evaporated metal or metal oxide into an argon plasma into which oxygen and nitrous oxide has been passed, and, exposing the plastic substrate to the plasma, whereby the abrasion resistant layer is deposited on an exposed surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photoresist-free method for depositing films composed of metals, such as copper, or its oxides from metal complexes. More specifically, the method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The metal complexes have the formula MfLgXh, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Au, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, Li, Na, K, Ba, Sr, Mo, Ru, Pd, Pt, Re, Ir, and Os, L is a ligand of the formula (R2NCR2′CO) wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H, CnHm and CnHmAxBy wherein A and B are independently selected from main group elements and f, g, h, n, m, x and y represent integers and wherein X is an anion independently selected from N3, NCO, NO3, NO2, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, H and CH3. These films, upon, for example, thermal, photochemical or electron beam irradiation may be converted to the metal or its oxides.

Abstract: The method for treating the internal surface of a gas bottle includes the following steps: a) an incident laser treatment beam is introduced into a bottle through its mouth, approximately along the axis of the bottle; b) the laser beam is deflected in the bottle onto the internal surface of the bottle; c) a relative rotation between the bottle and the deflected laser beam is made approximately about the axis of the bottle; and d) a relative displacement between the bottle and the deflected laser beam is made so as to scan most of the internal surface of the bottle with the deflected laser beam. The apparatus for treating a bottle is designed to implement the steps of the method.

Abstract: Robotic cladding of an underlying substrate with a composite metallic surface layer on a prepatterned interface with the substrate, is performed by a laser induced surface improvement process whereby a particulate ceramic additive introduced into a matrix mixture forms the surface layer with a permanent non-skid property bonded by intermixing of molten portions of such matrix mixture and the substrate at the interface, enhanced by prepatterning of such interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, in particular for a laser-induced vacuum are discharge evaporator for depositing of multiple layers with a high level of purity and high deposition rates on large-area components. According to the invention, the material source for the coating material is in a source chamber which can be evacuated and can be separated in a vacuum-tight manner from the actual coating chamber in which the substrate to be coated is located. The evaporator can, in particular, be used for deposition of amorphous carbon layers which are hydrogen-free and superhard and/or which contain hydrogen, in conjunction with high-purity metal layers or for the reactive plasma-enhanced deposition of, for example, oxidic, carbide, nitride hard material layers of ceramic layers or a combination thereof. The corresponding plasma sources can be flange-mounted on any suitable coating chambers and, consequently, also combined with conventional coating processes, for example magnetron sputtering.

Abstract: Processes are provided for forming composites comprising a LaMnO3 perovskite coatings (or a related perovskite) on a mat of ceramic particles (e.g., fibers, microballoons, or mixtures thereof) or LaMnO3-family sol-gel binders infused into the mat to form the connecting, rigidifying bridges.