Abstract:
A high-frequency, hydrogen-based radio-frequency (RF) plasma is used to reduce a metal oxide and other contaminant disposed in an aperture that is formed in an ultra-low k dielectric material. Because the frequency of the plasma is at least about 40 MHz and the primary gas in the plasma is hydrogen, metal oxide can be advantageously removed without damaging the dielectric material.
Abstract:
Fluorine-containing multifunctional microspheres and applications thereof are provided. There are provided multifunctional microspheres comprising polymer chains having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is anchored to the surface of the multifunctional microsphere via grafting, crosslinking or a combination thereof, and the second portion comprises at least one fluorinated group and at least one reactive functional group capable of forming a covalent bond with an adhesive, and uses thereof to prepare amphiphobic coatings on material surfaces. Also provided are multifunctional microspheres comprising two or more different types of such polymer chains, wherein the relative proportions of the different polymer chains may be tuned during preparation of the multifunctional microspheres.
Abstract:
An acoustic wave based-chemical sensor containing a crystal substrate and a coating of small particulate matter is disclosed. The small particulate matter can be graphite particles. Transducers are connected to the crystal substrate to generate an alternating potential across the crystal substrate, which in turn causes the crystal to resonate due to the converse piezoelectric effect. The coating absorbs the analyte, thus changing the mass of the sensor, and accordingly changing its resonant frequency. The transducers detect this change in resonant frequency to indicate that the analyte is present. The use of small particulate matter results in a coating having a large surface area which facilitates mass uptake of large amounts of VOCs, improved acoustic properties even with relatively thick coatings, and a high operational temperature range.
Abstract:
A MEMS microphone is disclosed. The MEMS microphone includes an encapsulation structure provided with an accommodation space; a MEMS chip for detecting sound signal accommodated in the accommodation space; an ASIC chip received in the accommodation space. The ASIC chip includes a signal processing module connected to MEMS chip for processing the sound signal detected by the MEMS chip and outputting the processed sound signal. The MEMS microphone further includes a temperature detection module for detecting temperature signal and outputting the temperature signal.
Abstract:
Silicon nanoparticle inks provide a basis for the formation of desirable materials. Specifically, composites have been formed in thin layers comprising silicon nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix, which can be formed at relatively low temperatures. The composite material can be heated to form a nanocrystalline material having crystals that are non-rod shaped. The nanocrystalline material can have desirable electrical conductive properties, and the materials can be formed with a high dopant level. Also, nanocrystalline silicon pellets can be formed from silicon nanoparticles deposited form an ink in which the pellets can be relatively dense although less dense than bulk silicon. The pellets can be formed from the application of pressure and heat to a silicon nanoparticle layer.
Abstract:
Provided are amphiphobic block copolymers, methods for preparing amphiphobic block copolymers, and applications thereof. Amphiphobic block copolymers can be used to prepare amphiphobic coatings on material surfaces, such as glass, printing paper or fabric. Amphiphobic block copolymers can also be used to coat particles, e.g., silica nanoparticles, which are then used to coat material surfaces. Such coated particles and uses thereof are also provided herein.
Abstract:
Magnetrons for use in physical vapor deposition (PVD) chambers and methods of use thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a support member having an axis of rotation; a plurality of first magnets coupled to the support member on a first side of the axis of rotation and having a first polarity oriented in a first direction perpendicular to the support member; and a second magnet coupled to the support member on a second side of the axis of rotation opposite the first side and having a second polarity oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the apparatus is capable of forming a magnetic field including one or more magnetic nulls that modulate local plasma uniformity in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber.
Abstract:
A sensor circuit for use in measuring concentrations of an analyte in a fluid is comprised of a BAW sensor, a voltage variable capacitor connected to the sensor, an input which supplies a bias warping dc voltage to the voltage variable capacitor, and a resonant oscillator circuit. The resonant oscillator circuit detects the fundamental frequency of the sensor and produces a resonant signal frequency. The bias warping dc voltage applied to the voltage variable capacitor warps the resonant frequency of the circuit away from inharmonic noise.
Abstract:
A chemical sensor utilizing a substrate and a fluoropolymer coating is disclosed. Transducers may be connected to the substrate to generate an alternating potential across the substrate, which in turn causes the substrate to resonate due to the converse piezoelectric effect. The polymer coating absorbs the analyte, thus changing the mass of the sensor, and accordingly changing its resonant frequency. The transducers detect this change in resonant frequency to indicate to the operator that the analyte is present. The use of amorphous copolymers of 2,2-bistrifluoromethyl-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole (PDD), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) allows for improved sensitivity and responsiveness while also allowing for robust characteristics enabling the sensor to be used in a variety of environmental conditions.
Abstract:
An acoustic wave based-chemical sensor utilizing a crystal substrate and a coating of at least two blended materials is disclosed. The blended materials comprise a combination of (a) a high glass transition temperature polymer or a material of high melting point, and (b) a low glass transition temperature polymer or a material having a low melting point. Transducers are connected to the crystal substrate to generate an alternating potential across the crystal substrate, which in turn causes the crystal to resonate due to the converse piezoelectric effect. The blended coating absorbs the analyte, thus changing the mass of the chemical sensor, and accordingly changing its resonant frequency. The transducers detect this change in resonant frequency to indicate that the analyte is present. The use of blended materials results in a thicker coating combining the preferred properties of the blend constituents, such as improved detection sensitivities, faster response times, less acoustic wave damping, and higher operational temperature ranges.