Abstract:
In a method of fabricating an array of microstructures, a substrate with an electrically-conductive portion is provided, an insulating mask layer is formed on the electrically-conductive portion of the substrate, a plurality of openings are formed in the insulating mask layer to expose the electrically-conductive portion, and a first plated or electrodeposited layer is deposited in the openings and on the insulating mask layer by electroplating or electrodeposition. A second plated layer is further formed on the first plated or electrodeposited layer and on the electrically-conductive portion by electroless plating to reduce a size distribution of microstructures over the array.
Abstract:
The movable-body apparatus includes a support member, a movable body, an elastic supporting unit having a twisting longitudinal axis, and a driving unit for tilting the movable body in a tilting direction about the twisting longitudinal axis. The elastic supporting unit supports the movable body flexibly and rotatably about the twisting longitudinal axis relative to the support member. The driving unit includes a stationary portion provided apart from the movable body, and a moving core formed of a magnetic material, provided on a portion of the movable body, and has a face opposed to the stationary portion.
Abstract:
A bulb socket including a socket body from a synthetic resin and a contact member made from a conductive metal material in the socket body. The socket body is integrally formed by: a socket main portion constructed by axially connecting a bulb fitting section and a power connecting section, a flange portion outwardly extended from the outer surface of the socket main portion, and engaging blocks formed on the socket main portion. A plurality of arc-shaped slits and arc-shaped resilient insulative contact strips are formed in the flange portion so as to extend along the outer peripheral surface of the bulb fitting section, and contact protrusions are formed on the arc-shaped resilient insulative contact strips so as to provide resiliency of the arc-shaped resilient insulative contact strips to enable more secure mounting of the bulb socket at a mounting hole in a panel.
Abstract:
A fabrication method of fabricating an array of microstructures is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a substrate with a surface including a usable region and a dummy region continuously set around the usable region, at least the usable region and the dummy region of the substrate are electrically conductive and have a conductive portion. The method also includes the steps of forming a first insulating layer on the conductive portion, and forming a plurality of openings in the first insulating layer, the openings being arranged in a predetermined array pattern. Additionally, the method includes the step of performing one of electroplating and electrodeposition using the conductive portion as an electrode to form a first plated or electrodeposited layer in the openings and on the first insulating layer in both the usable region and the dummy region.
Abstract:
A probe with a micro-projection for a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) which comprises a substrate, first and second junction layers which are arranged on the substrate and electrically isolated from each other and which are made of an electroconductive material, and a micro-projection bonded to the substrate by way of the first and second junction layers and having a cavity in the inside. The micro-projection has first and second material layer made of different respective materials and laid one on the other to form a junction interlayer therebetween. The first and second material layers are electrically connected to the first and second junction layers respectively and independently.
Abstract:
A female mold substrate used for the production of a microprobe tip or probe detecting a tunneling current or weak force includes a substrate provided with a recess section and a heat-flowable layer having flowability by heat treatment formed on the substrate and covering the recess. The female mold substrate is made by forming a recess section on the top surface of a substrate and forming a heat-flowable layer on the top surface of the substrate including the recess section. A microprobe tip detecting a tunneling current or weak force is made by forming a tip material layer on the female mold substrate and transferring the tip of material layer onto another substrate.
Abstract:
Spinnable balls each having two surfaces with different optical characteristics can be produced by forming a plurality of balls with the same specific gravity on a thermoplastic film, and softening the thermoplastic film by controlling a heating temperature thereof based on the specific gravity of the balls so that the hemispheres of the balls are embedded into the thermoplastic film by their own weight. A layer having different optical characteristics from those of the balls is then formed on the exposed surface of each ball. Finally, the balls provided with the layers are detached from the thermoplastic film.
Abstract:
A photomask or a light-shielding member has a support capable of transmitting light, a light-shielding pattern which shields the light and a light absorbing member provided corresponding to the light-shielding pattern. In one aspect, the light-shielding pattern and the light absorbing member are provided on the same side of the support. In another aspect, the light-shielding pattern and the light absorbing member are provided with the support sandwiched therebetween.
Abstract:
A displacement element including a substrate having electrodes and a cantilever provided on the substrate, wherein the cantilever is formed from a semiconductor material and has at least two electrostatic driving electrodes formed by diffusing an impurity into a semiconductor material.
Abstract:
A cantilever unit comprises a cantilever for supporting a probe and a displacement amount detecting means, the displacement amount detecting means being integrated with the cantilever. An information processing apparatus comprises the cantilever unit and optionally an information recording medium stationed in close vicinity to the unit, wherein an information in the medium is reproduced at a signal on the basis of an displacement amount of the cantilever. An atomic force microscope and magnetic force microscope comprise the cantilever unit, respectively.